Kingfisher

Small but mighty hunter

Don’t be fooled by its size—the kingfisher is a highly skilled predator. It must eat its own body weight in fish every day just to survive, and even more when feeding its young.

Perched on a branch overhanging a slow-moving river or pond, the kingfisher watches intently. When it spots a fish, it dives headfirst into the water with eyes closed and beak open, relying on precision and speed to catch its prey.

Kingfishers hunt by:

• Perching silently on branches overhanging slow-moving water
• Spotting prey—usually small fish like minnows or sticklebacks—from above
• Diving headfirst into the water with eyes closed and beak open
• Catching prey mid-dive, using razor-sharp vision and lightning-fast reflexes

Once caught, the fish is brought back to the perch, where the kingfisher stuns it by beating it against the branch before swallowing it head-first to avoid injury from fins or spines.

They may also eat aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small crustaceans, especially when fish are scarce.

Life on the riverbank

Kingfishers nest in burrows dug into sandy riverbanks, using their strong beaks to tunnel deep into the earth. These hidden nests are vulnerable to flooding and riverbank erosion, especially during periods of high water.

Threats to kingfishers

Kingfisher numbers are declining due to:

• Water pollution, which reduces fish populations,
• Damage to riverbanks, making it harder to nest,
• Flooding, which can destroy burrows and nests,
• Harsh winters.

Where to spot them

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse, try the lower Eden near Lazonby, especially behind the swimming pool. Look for a flash of colour skimming the water’s surface or a small bird perched silently above the river.