RSPB Spotlight Kingfishers

Kingfishers are colorful birds with long, dagger-like bills and bright blue plumage, known for their fast, low flight over water. David Chandler's book Spotlight Kingfishers explores their adaptations, courtship, breeding, and feeding habits, as well as historical threats and their future. It also offers practical advice on finding and seeing these birds.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Kingfishers are a fascinating group of birds that are often seen as a flash of blue and orange from a riverbank. However, many people are unaware of the intricacies of their day-to-day lives. With their long, dagger-like bills, bright blue plumage, and characteristic fast, low flight over water, Common Kingfishers are instantly recognisable. The 90 or so species that belong to this colourful family have a cosmopolitan distribution and are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to wetlands. In Spotlight Kingfishers, David Chandler celebrates the remarkable existence of these birds, studying their unique adaptations and their courtship, breeding, and feeding habits. He also investigates historical threats to Kingfishers, considers their future, and offers practical advice on how to find and see these glorious birds.

Kingfishers are a diverse group of birds that are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to wetlands. They are known for their long, dagger-like bills, bright blue plumage, and characteristic fast, low flight over water. The 90 or so species that belong to this colourful family have a cosmopolitan distribution and are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to wetlands.

One of the most interesting aspects of Kingfishers is their courtship, breeding, and feeding habits. Male Kingfishers are typically more colourful than females, with bright blue plumage and a red or orange breast. They use their long bills to catch fish, which they then swallow whole. Females are typically smaller and have a more brownish plumage.

Kingfishers are also known for their ability to adapt to different environments. They can live in a variety of climates, from hot and dry to cold and wet. They are also able to survive in a variety of habitats, from forests to wetlands.

However, Kingfishers have faced several historical threats. One of the most significant threats is habitat loss. As human populations grow, more and more land is being developed for agriculture, housing, and other purposes. This has led to the destruction of many Kingfisher habitats.

Another threat is pollution. Pollution can harm Kingfishers in a variety of ways. For example, pollution can contaminate their food sources, which can make it difficult for them to survive. Pollution can also harm their nesting sites, which can make it difficult for them to reproduce.

Despite these threats, Kingfishers are still a popular bird. They are often seen in parks and gardens, and they are also popular in birdwatching tours. There are several ways that you can help to protect Kingfishers.

One of the most important ways to protect Kingfishers is to create habitat. You can create habitat by planting trees, shrubs, and other plants in your garden. You can also create habitat by providing water sources for Kingfishers.

You can also help to protect Kingfishers by reducing pollution. You can reduce pollution by using less plastic, by recycling, and by using natural products.

In addition to protecting Kingfishers, it is also important to learn about them. You can learn about Kingfishers by reading books, watching videos, and visiting bird sanctuaries.

In conclusion, Kingfishers are a fascinating group of birds that are often seen as a flash of blue and orange from a riverbank. They are known for their long, dagger-like bills, bright blue plumage, and characteristic fast, low flight over water. They are also known for their ability to adapt to different environments and their courtship, breeding, and feeding habits. However, Kingfishers have faced several historical threats, including habitat loss and pollution. By creating habitat, reducing pollution, and learning about Kingfishers, we can help to protect these beautiful birds for future generations.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 149 x 208 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472987617