English:  Common Kingfisher, Eurasian Kingfisher  

Russian:  Обыкновенный зимородок

Mongolian:  Номин шогшир, Нохой шогшир

German: Eisvogel  

French: Martin-pecheur d’Europe
Japanese: カワセミ (Kawa-semi)

Body length: 17-19 cm

Breeds at small and moderatesized fish-rich slow-flowing rivers with some trees and suitable nesting banks; occasionally lakes; also estuaries and coasts in winter. Perches motionless on lookout for small fish, caught following vertical dive. Also hovers occasionally when scanning. Rather shy and restless. Excavates nest in sandy bank, a good metre-long tunnel leading to nest chamber, where young are reared on bed of piled fish bones.

Identification: A small, plump, short-tailed and short-legged bird with big head and disproportionally long bill. Perches upright. Beautifully bright colours: crown and wings greenish-blue (look more greenish from some angles depending on how light falls), back and tail bright blue (shifting from azure to cobalt!), underparts and cheek patch warm orangey brownish-red, throat and a patch on neck-side snow-white. Despite this display of colour, can be difficult to pick out if perched motionless in shadow on a waterside branch. More often noted as it flies straight and fast, low over water, calling. Sexes similar, but in breeding pairs ♂ has all-black bill and ♀ reddish base to lower mandible. Legs light red. Juvenile: Like adult, but plumage somewhat duller and greener. Legs greyish.