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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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