Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), is a large, conspicuous and noisy kingfisher, the only member of that group commonly found in the United States and Canada.

It is 28 - 36 cm long, with deep blue or bluish-gray plumage with white markings, and a broad white collar around the neck.

It often seen perched prominently on trees, posts, or other suitable watchpoints close to water before plunging in after its fish prey.

This bird migrates from the northern parts of its range, and has occurred as an extreme rarity in Iceland, Ireland and the UK.

Ref: ITIS 178104 (http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=178104), ITIS 553457 (http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=553457)