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Great British Collection Medal Kingfisher

Scientific name: Alcedo Atthis

Adult Size: Average body size 17-19cm in length with a 25cm wingspan

Adult Weight: 34 - 46kg

Top Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)

Life Span: 21 years

Habitat: Inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. Can be seen by scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries or harbours and along rocky seashores.

Diet: Minnows, sticklebacks, small roach and trout are typical prey. About 60% of food items are fish, but this kingfisher also catches aquatic insects such as dragonfly larvae and water beetles.

Other interesting facts: There are 87 different species of Kingfisher in the world, but only one breeds in the UK - Alcedo atthis. Many of the other 86 species don't eat fish and rarely go near water.

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