Palace Kingfisher
This Male Belted Kingfisher was fishing in the lagoon at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Normally getting this bird to pose for a shot is a challenge. But this Kingfisher appeared to be used to people and was resting in one spot for a few minutes before he flew away. The Belted Kingfisher is one of the most widespread land birds in North America, occupying a diverse range of aquatic habitats. Belted Kingfishers perch or hover over open water, watching for prey. Once prey is sighted, they dive headfirst into the water and seize it with their bills. Unlike most species of birds where the male is the most decorated it’s the female that has two bands across her chest. One is blue and the other is a rich chestnut color. Making her the most attractive of the two.
Palace Kingfisher
This Male Belted Kingfisher was fishing in the lagoon at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Normally getting this bird to pose for a shot is a challenge. But this Kingfisher appeared to be used to people and was resting in one spot for a few minutes before he flew away. The Belted Kingfisher is one of the most widespread land birds in North America, occupying a diverse range of aquatic habitats. Belted Kingfishers perch or hover over open water, watching for prey. Once prey is sighted, they dive headfirst into the water and seize it with their bills. Unlike most species of birds where the male is the most decorated it’s the female that has two bands across her chest. One is blue and the other is a rich chestnut color. Making her the most attractive of the two.