Ringed Kingfisher
Ringed Kingfishers frequent freshwater environments where the water is clear enough to spot prey from above. They use virtually any convenient perch (natural or human-made) for hunting, especially tall trees with bare branches and utility wires. They hunt in rivers, lakes, and ponds and occasionally saltwater and brackish environments if there are places to perch. They don't tend to use small, shaded streams or creeks. They nest in burrows in bare riverbanks, and sometimes nest a short distance away from water as well. After the nesting season, they range more widely, even hunting in canals and ditches when prey and perches are present.
Photographer: Dave Saunders