Identification

17-19cm (including bill). A small, plump, short-tailed and short-legged bird with big head and disproportionately long bill. Perches upright. Beautifully bright colours: crown and wings greenish-blue (look more greenish from some angles depending on how light falls), back and tail bright blue (shifting from azure to cobalt!), underparts and cheek patch warm orangey brownish-red, throat and a patch on neck-side snow-white. Despite this display of colour can be difficult to pick out if perched motionless in shadow on a waterside branch. More often noted as it flies straight and fast low over water, calling. Sexes similar, but in breeding pairs male has all-black bill and female reddish base to lower mandible. Legs light red.

Description

The Common Kingfisher is a widespread breeder in small numbers in Hungary in steep banks of flowing and standing waters throughout the country. Largest population densities are observed along the Tisza River. During post-breeding dispersal appears along small mountain streams, fishponds and canals. Partially migrant, majority of the breeding population stays in Hungary between March and November. In august and September migrants can be seen anywhere near water. Overwinters at unfrozen waters.