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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

Franciscan monk  

Did You Know?
In 1776, Father Pedro Font wrote, "The port of San Francisco...is a marvel of nature, and might well be called a harbor of harbors...And I think if it could be well settled like Europe there would not be anything more beautiful in all the world."

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