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Birds @ Wings
American Crow
Bald Eagle
Belted Kingfisher
Blue Jay
Canada Goose
Common Loon
Golden Eagle
Great Blue Heron
Great Horned Owl
Lewis' Woodpecker
Osprey
Pine Grosbeak
Red-tailed Hawk
Rufous Hummingbird
Steller's Jay
Swans
Warbling
Verio
Western Meadowlark
Wood Duck
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Belted Kingfisher
 Recognition
Belted Kingfishers are chunky, compact birds with short necks and large
heads accentuated by an erectile crest that, when raised, gives them an
appearance of being startled. Their short tail and small feet make it
appear top heavy. The female with it's chestnut band across the belly and
rufous flanks makes it more colorful than the males. It's loud, rattling
call during flight is a sure way of recognizing this bird.
Haunts
Fairy common breeding birds in the Columbia Valley, since their main
requirements: water for fishing and earth banks for nesting are plentiful
here. The extensive silt cliffs along the Columbia River are favored
places for the kingfisher's nesting burrows which can be seven feet deep.
Schedule
Most arrive in late April and their southern migration occurs mainly in
September. Occasionally a few hardy kingfishers brave the winter and can
be seen where ever they find open water.
Field Notes
When it comes to excavation, a kingfisher's body is almost as versatile as
a Swiss army knife. The bill works well as a digging tool for dislodging
the soil . The feet, with partially fused central toes, make good shovels.
Even the tail helps push the soil out of the tunnel.
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