Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Birds
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Alcedini dae
Genre: Alcedo
Species: Alcedo atthis
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of dimensions, it has a length of approximately 16 to 19 cm and a wingspan of approximately 25 cm. Regarding its characteristics, the most noticeable aspect is the size of its beak and head in relation to the rest of its body, with the head being practically half its size. Its plumage is also quite distinctive, with very vibrant colors. It is bluish-green on the upper part and orange on the lower part. It also has two orange and white stripes on the sides of its head, and white feathers under its beak.
One characteristic aspect of this species is its hunting method.
It is usually found near rivers on branches or rocks waiting to spot prey. It is also seen flying over rivers. As soon as it spots prey, it dives in a quick and precise flight, catches it with its enormous beak, and returns to its perch where it feeds. It has the habit of striking its prey against rocks before ingesting it to stun or kill it, so as not to complicate ingestion. It captures several prey items daily. This species feeds mainly on small fish, but also on insect larvae, small crustaceans, and small amphibians. It reproduces between March and July and builds nests by constructing a tunnel on the banks of rivers and streams. The banks are in sandy and/or clayey areas. This nest is between 50 and 100 cm long. Both the male and female participate in building the nest. After building the nest, the female lays an average of 5 to 7 eggs per clutch (sometimes up to 10). Incubation lasts about 19 to 21 days, with both parents alternating during the day so each can eat, and the female mainly at night. Because the tunnel is relatively long, it creates a microclimate, preventing significant temperature fluctuations. After the chicks hatch, both parents feed them small amphibians, larvae, and fish for 24 to 27 days. Towards the end of this period, they begin feeding on small fish. At the end of this time, the chicks are ready to leave the nest and are immediately able to fly. However, they are inexperienced in hunting and stay with their parents for about a week to learn. After this period, they become independent. A few days after the chicks become independent, the pair may lay another clutch, usually in the same tunnel, but they clean it first. Generally, each pair lays around 2 clutches. up to 3 litters per year.
Habitat and Distribution
It is a resident bird (present throughout the year), but uncommon. It is uniformly visible throughout the country. It frequents aquatic habitats, both freshwater and saltwater, as well as mixed water, in rivers, streams, estuaries, lagoons, rias, and even the sea, although it is less common there. It prefers rivers and streams with slow or moderate currents, especially sandy and clayey areas due to nest building, and vegetation where it can perch, such as reeds, willows, and others. They also prefer cleaner waters with better visibility. The areas of the country with the most recorded sightings are the north and central regions, particularly the Ria de Aveiro and Douro River, but also the Mondego and Tagus estuaries (and other rivers and tributaries). In the south, it is found in the Sado estuary, Ria Formosa, and Guadiana River (and Alqueva). So far I have observed this species in Aveiro, near the beach and in Pateira de Fermentelos, and in Tomar in Mata dos Sete Montes.
All Photographs Taken
