English Common Name

Common Kingfisher

Scientific name

Alcedo atthis

Taxonomy

Order: Coraciiformes, Family: Alcedinidae

Size

About 17 cm

Species Distribution

Temperate and tropical areas around Asia (including Japan) and Europe

Okinawan Common Name

Kahrakanjoo

Okinawa Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened

Bluish-green colored head and wings with vivid colored underparts and legs are characteristics of the Common Kingfisher. Especially, the back turns to a beautiful cobalt blue. Both males and females have black beaks and only females have reddish lower mandibles. The total length of the bird is longer than sparrows only because of the size of its beak. Its body size is as small as a sparrow. This species resides in Okinawa prefecture, and it can be observed in Okinawa Island as well as other islands of the prefecture. Common Kingfisher is found catching small fish in bush around rivers, seashores, dams, and ponds. Once it finds a favorable branch to rest, it moves around the same area. Sometimes it hovers in the air to wait for fish or insects coming out. When food is found, the bird aims at the target and jumps in the water to catch the game.

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Updated June 2017

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