The only kingfisher across most of North America, this species is often seen perched on power lines and other exposed perches over water. It is easily recognized by its large angular head, its shaggy crest and long bill. The upperparts are slaty blue-gray, with a white collar extending almost all the way around the back of the neck, tiny white spots on the wing coverts, and white barring on the outer tail feathers. The underparts are white, with a blue-gray band across the breast. Females show an additional rufous band across the lower breast and rufous on the sides and flanks. Juveniles resemble adults, with more rufous mixed in with the gray breast band.

Length: 28 (cm) Wingspan: 56 (cm)

Voice:

The call, typically given in flight, is a loud dry rattle often described as sounding like a machine gun.

Habitat:

Nests in burrows dug into banks, close to water.

Behavior:

Often hovers over water before plunge-diving for fish.

Feeding:

Feed primarily on fish, but also takes other small animals.