Alcedo atthis ispida

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Common kingfisher
French : Martin-pêcheur d’Europe

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Coraciiformes
Family : Alcedinidae
Notes : 6 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of 15 cm for a weight of 45g. Round head with very long pointed black bill. Back, wings, crown and cheek stripe bright blue. Cheeks, forehead and belly rufous, white chin. Female have red lower mandible.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in most of Europe, the species also occurs in extreme north Africa and most of Central and southern Asia. Lives around slow moving rivers and lakes with lots of vegetation nearby.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains locally common throughout its wide range but is very sensitive to water pollution which is the main threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
BestZoo (Netherlands), Oasi di Sant’Alessio (Italy), Alpenzoo Innsbruck (Austria)

 

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