Montana Field Guide

Medium-sized kingfisher; 28-35 cm, 140-170 g. Body stocky, head large with conspicuous ragged double-pointed crest that covers the entire pileum from the base of the bill to the nape. A nearly complete white collar across the hindneck contrasts with the uniform blue-gray dorsum. Sexes distinguished by dichromatic pectoral bands on white underparts. Male exhibits a single blue-gray band. Female also possesses a blue-gray pectoral band in addition to rufous sides and rufous band across the lower breast. (Hamas, Michael J. The Birds of North America, No 84, 1994).

In the Bozeman area, migration periods are from March 20 to April 10 and October 1 to November 1.

Inhabits streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and estuaries or calm marine waters in which prey are clearly visible. Availability of suitable nesting sites - earthen banks where nesting burrows can be excavated - appears critical for the distribution and local abundance of this species. (Hamas 1994).

Chiefly fish. Also mollusks, crustaceans, insects, amphibians, reptiles, young birds, small mammals, even berries. (Hamas 1994).

Prefers to excavate a nesting burrow near its fishing territory. Raises a single brood annually. Eggs are elliptical to ovate in shape; pure glossy white in color. Clutch size ranges 5 - 8 eggs. (Hamas 1994). Nesting has been observed from April 17 to June 4.