Common Kingfisher

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small bird, a common resident in Taiwan, often found near streams, rivers, and ponds. Its most striking feature is its blue-green and bright blue back feathers, contrasted with an orange-red breast and belly, and a long, pointed beak. What makes the Common Kingfisher remarkable is its fishing prowess. It usually perches on branches or rocks by the water, observing the surface. Upon spotting prey, it suddenly dives into the water, catches the fish with its beak, and flies back to its perch. When entering the water, it uses its nictitating membrane to protect its eyes and can adapt to surface reflections and light refraction underwater. After catching a fish, it often beats the fish against hard objects like branches before swallowing it. Its nest is also unique; instead of building nests in trees, it excavates tunnels in riverbanks or earth slopes and breeds inside these burrows. Don't underestimate this small bird; the Common Kingfisher is a formidable hunter by the water—once it locks onto its target, it plunges into the water like a tiny blue missile. Note: Sorry everyone, I've been really busy lately, which is why I haven't been posting daily 🥹 Image source: https://share.google/1TwDofqS67WkOmXoF https://share.google/6sxC6GuA6LLyefoh1