Kingfisher | Meet a Fascinating Animal Every Day 011

The kingfisher, also known as the “fishing dog,” is a family of medium- to small-sized birds within the order Coraciiformes. They are known for their vibrant plumage.

They have relatively large heads, long and sharp pointed beaks, short legs, and short, sturdy tails. Most species display bright and colorful feathers, with slight differences between males and females. The majority of kingfisher species live in tropical regions, while only a few can be found exclusively in forests. They hunt a wide range of prey and typically dive from perches to catch fish.

During China’s Qing Dynasty, the blue and green feathers of kingfishers were used to create dian cui ornaments—luxurious hairpieces worn by women of the upper class. This practice is now banned.