Common Kingfisher (Female)
Common Kingfisher
Recordings 
Scientific Name 
Alcedo atthis
Arabic Name 
القرلي الشائع
Kuwaiti name 
خضيري الأسياف
Family 
Width 
26.0 cm
Length 
17.0 cm
Least Concern

Information

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. A brilliantly-coloured small bird that usually sits quietly overlooking the water. It is usually seen along the coast, even in sewage outfalls where schools of tiny fish gather.
Where in Kuwait 
Almost always seen near water, whether it be in secluded outfalls or inland pools in the Jahra area. It has been recorded as far south as Khiran. It is a small colourful bird with a beautiful and iridescent plumage which makes it instantly recognisable.
In the world 
It has an extremely large range with an apparent stable population and it is found across Europe, and in most of Asia, reaching as far east as Japan. It also occurs in Africa south of the Sahara. Famous for perching on branches, reeds or even fences, this species can also hover just above the water before diving in for its prey.
Local threats 
Human disturbance, loss of habitat and indiscriminate shooting