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Presidio of San FranciscoFort Scott
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Presidio of San Francisco
Belted Kingfisher
(Cerle alcyon)
 
Belted Kingfisher
Will Elder, NPS
A female Belted Kingfisher hovers over Crissy Marsh.
 

Natural History: The Belted Kingfisher's diet primarily consists of small fish, which it dives for from above the water. It will occasionally eat invertebrates, lower vertebrates, and young birds and mice. It is found near water, where it hunts. This bird typically nests in small tunnels excavated in perpendicular banks.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species is found near water, particularly near Crissy Marsh, but also along the open coast.

Frequency: This species is common in all seasons except the summer.

Identifying Characteristics: This species has a long, pointed beak, a dark blue head and a white throat with a slate blue chest band. Females have a rust belly band and sides.

Presidio Birds main page

The Officers' Club at the Presidio  

Did You Know?
The modern-day Officers' Club was part of the original Spanish Presidio. In the front section of the building, excavations have uncovered adobe walls dating from the 1790's.

Last Updated: March 22, 2008 at 19:49 EST