Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
Belted Kingfishers are striking and easily recognizable birds found along waterways throughout Oregon. Their shaggy crests, long, dagger-like bills, and distinctive rattling call make them hard to miss as they patrol rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. While both sexes share these prominent features, they are one of the few bird species where the female is more brightly colored than the male, a phenomenon known as reversed sexual dichromatism.
General Appearance (Male and Female):
Size & Shape: Medium-sized, stocky birds with a large head, shaggy crest that often extends backward, a long, pointed bill, and short legs.
Plumage: Predominantly slate blue-gray on the upperparts (head, back, wings) and white on the underparts. They have a white collar around the neck.
Bill: A very prominent, long, dark, and heavy bill, ideal for catching fish.
Vocalization: A loud, distinctive, rattling call, often given in flight.
Behavior: Typically seen perched watchfully over water or flying rapidly, often hovering briefly before diving headfirst to catch fish.
Distinguishing Male and Female Belted Kingfishers in Oregon:
The key to telling male and female Belted Kingfishers apart lies in the color of their chest band and flanks.
1. Chest Band:
Male Belted Kingfishers: Have a single, distinct, slate blue-gray band across their white breast. Their flanks (sides of the body below the wings) are typically white, or very lightly streaked with rufous.
Female Belted Kingfishers: Have two chest bands. Below the upper slate blue-gray band (similar to the male's), they have an additional, prominent, rusty or rufous band. This is often referred to as the "rusty belt" or "red band." The rufous color also extends down their flanks, creating a rusty wash on their sides.
Therefore, if you see a Belted Kingfisher with a single blue-gray chest band, it's a male. If it has two chest bands (one blue-gray, one rusty), it's a female.
2. Size (Less Reliable for Field ID):
Females are generally slightly larger than males, but this difference is subtle and difficult to use for identification in the field unless a pair is seen side-by-side. The plumage difference is much more apparent.
General Appearance (Male and Female):
Size & Shape: Medium-sized, stocky birds with a large head, shaggy crest that often extends backward, a long, pointed bill, and short legs.
Plumage: Predominantly slate blue-gray on the upperparts (head, back, wings) and white on the underparts. They have a white collar around the neck.
Bill: A very prominent, long, dark, and heavy bill, ideal for catching fish.
Vocalization: A loud, distinctive, rattling call, often given in flight.
Behavior: Typically seen perched watchfully over water or flying rapidly, often hovering briefly before diving headfirst to catch fish.
Distinguishing Male and Female Belted Kingfishers in Oregon:
The key to telling male and female Belted Kingfishers apart lies in the color of their chest band and flanks.
1. Chest Band:
Male Belted Kingfishers: Have a single, distinct, slate blue-gray band across their white breast. Their flanks (sides of the body below the wings) are typically white, or very lightly streaked with rufous.
Female Belted Kingfishers: Have two chest bands. Below the upper slate blue-gray band (similar to the male's), they have an additional, prominent, rusty or rufous band. This is often referred to as the "rusty belt" or "red band." The rufous color also extends down their flanks, creating a rusty wash on their sides.
Therefore, if you see a Belted Kingfisher with a single blue-gray chest band, it's a male. If it has two chest bands (one blue-gray, one rusty), it's a female.
2. Size (Less Reliable for Field ID):
Females are generally slightly larger than males, but this difference is subtle and difficult to use for identification in the field unless a pair is seen side-by-side. The plumage difference is much more apparent.