Birds of North America
Puzzle 55 · Marshes and Fresh Water · Page 79 in print
Belted Kingfisher
A Belted Kingfisher’s nest tunnel slopes upward into the bank. This incline helps keep rainwater from collecting inside.
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The words
Bank Swallows
Birds that may nest near kingfishers in the same banks.
Earthen Bank
A steep soil face into which the nest is excavated.
Fish Bones
Prey remains that accumulate in the nest chamber.
Fish Scales
Undigested remains found in the nesting burrow.
Gravel Pit
An excavated site sometimes used for nesting.
Mummichogs
A small fish eaten by the kingfisher.
Pellets
Regurgitated masses of indigestible prey remains.
Pier Piling
A waterside perch used for spotting prey.
Pincer Grip
The bill closes on prey with a pincer motion.
Rattle Calls
Loud calls used when defending territory.
Road Cut
An exposed bank beside a road that can hold a nest burrow.
Sand Pit
A human-created site that can supply nesting banks.
Stonerollers
Freshwater fish among its prey.
Trout
Fish included in the diet.
Upward Tunnel
The nest tunnel rises so rainwater does not collect inside.
Sources
- Belted Kingfisher: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology