Another fascinating fisherman that lives on the lake is the Belted Kingfisher. They’re amazing to watch. I see them sitting atop the willow tree, patiently surveying the lake. Then suddenly one dives headfirst into the water, submerges, the pops to the surface with a small fish!! They also eat amphibians, insects, mice, snakes, and invertebrates.
Kingfishers are about the size of a pigeon. They have a long pointed bill, slate-grey back, white stomach and a white band around the neck. The head is a darker grey with a shaggy crest. Interestingly, the kingfisher is one of the few birds with the female is more brightly colored than the male. She has a reddish brown stripe across her chest.
Their nesting habits are unusual for birds. Kingfishers nest along streams, rivers, and lakes where there are banks suitable for them to burrow a nest. Using their feet and bills, the male and female excavate a tunnel from one to eight feet long, ending in a spherical chamber for the eggs. It takes from 3-7 days to burrow their nest. The tunnel slopes upward to prevent flooding. The male and female incubate 5-8 eggs for about 22 days. The young stay in the burrow for about 30 days before they are coaxed out by their parents.
Kingfishers can be found throughout the US year round where water does not freeze. The ones that migrate may go as far as South America.
It’s nice that the willow tree has grown big enough to be a good perch for the kingfishers. I enjoy seeing them wait for a luckless fish to swim by. But I’m envious that they such keen eyesight and can see beneath the surface of the lake.
More amazing information about a bird not seen where I live. It does seem that all types of creatures want to be seen in your Georgia back yard!
Posted by: Rose | August 20, 2009 at 09:08 AM