Definitions for: Kingfisher

[n] nonpasserine large-headed bird with a short tail and long sharp bill; usually crested and bright-colored; feed mostly on fish

Webster (1913) Definition: King"fish`er, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of birds constituting the family
Alcedinid[ae]. Most of them feed upon fishes which they
capture by diving and seizing then with the beak; others feed
only upon reptiles, insects, etc. About one hundred and fifty
species are known. They are found in nearly all parts of the
world, but are particularly abundant in the East Indies.

Note: The belted king-fisher of the United States ({Ceryle
alcyon}) feeds upon fishes. It is slate-blue above,
with a white belly and breast, and a broad white ring
around the neck. A dark band crosses the breast. The
common European species (Alcedo ispida), which is
much smaller and brighter colored, is also a fisher.
See Alcedo. The wood kingfishers (Halcyones), which
inhabit forests, especially in Africa, feed largely
upon insects, but also eat reptiles, snails, and small
Crustacea, as well as fishes. The giant kingfisher of
Australia feeds largely upon lizards and insects. See
Laughing jackass, under Laughing.

See Also: Alcedinidae, Alcedo atthis, belted kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon, coraciiform bird, Dacelo gigas, Eurasian kingfisher, family Alcedinidae, kookaburra, laughing jackass

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat

Related Resources:
animals starting with e
animals beginning with m
animals starting with k