The kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) from the kingfisher family (Alcedinidae) lives in Mid Europe - from southern Scandinavia to the north coast of Africa.
It can probably be described as an "dazzling bird", which refers to its plumage: A dazzling bright blue, which appears from blue to turquoise and blue-green depending on the light, combined with the striking orange. And although it is so striking in colour, we only see it - if we see it at all - when it has flown by.
The kingfisher lives in natural, slow-flowing rivers and streams that are rich in fish, but also in lakes and ponds in parks. When searching for food - small fish, tadpoles, small newts, small frogs, crabs, aquatic insects and other invertebrates - the kingfisher can be observed with luck on its "perch": An exposed elevated position from where it can overlook its hunting ground in relative safety. This saves energy that would be needed when flying around. From the perch, the kingfisher can also use its perfect hunting behavior, the shock diving: If potential prey is spotted, the kingfisher dives headfirst into the water at an angle forwards and downwards with its wings open and grabs its prey. To do this, it can dive up to one meter deep.
For breeding, the kingfisher needs suitable steep slopes in which it can dig its nesting tube. This is up to 90 cm long and the nesting cavity is located at the end.
Kingfishers have a special feature: The female incubates new eggs in a second nesting tube while the male is still feeding the first brood. Even a third parallel brood is possible, known as a nest brood.
The kingfisher is a territorial loner. It is loyal to its habitat and active during the day.

Our kingfisher likes to be in the company of other birds. It likes to be observed when it is looking for prey or play partners on its perch.

Size: L 10 cm x H 8 cm x W 16 cm (L 4.2" x H 3.15" x W 6.2")
Color: Blue, orange, white, black
Filling: Special Polyester fibres
Manufacturer: Kösener Spiezeug Manufaktur, Germany

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