Kingfishers nest in burrows dug into vertical or near-vertical banks along rivers, lakes, or ponds. They excavate with their bills and take turns, often sharing digging duties between males and females, to create a tunnel that ends in a small, unlined chamber where eggs are laid. The tunnel length can vary by species and site, but it's common for belted kingfishers to produce long burrows that extend several feet into the bank, with the chamber positioned to minimize flood risk and sediment buildup. Key points by region and species:
- Belted Kingfisher (North America): Nest in earthen banks near water; tunnels extend 3–6 feet with an 8–12 inch diameter chamber at the end; digging typically takes 3–7 days and may take longer in tougher banks. Both parents participate, with the male often doing more digging. Clutch sizes usually range around 5–8 eggs, with 1–2 broods per season. Incubation and nestling periods span roughly 22–24 days and 27–29 days, respectively.
- UK Kingfisher (common kingfisher in Europe): Nesting occurs in tunnels dug into riverbanks, with the tunnel ending in an oval chamber angled downward to help prevent eggs from rolling into the water. The process of constructing the home generally takes about a fortnight, and both birds contribute to digging and subsequent care.
- New Zealand kōtōare / kingfisher: Similar nesting in cavities in banks, cliffs, or trees; the breeding season and specifics can vary by locale, but the general behavior involves nesting in a hollow or tunnel-like space with parental care shared after hatching.
Additional context and nuances:
- Some sources emphasize that kingfishers do not line their nests with material; the tunnel ends in a bare, unlined chamber, which is typical for many kingfisher species.
- Nesting sites are typically chosen near reliable water sources to support the high daily fish intake required by kingfishers, and they prefer banks with soft substrate that facilitate digging.
- In certain regions, observed burrow lengths can be substantial (for example, reports of long burrows up to around 15 feet in some Belted Kingfisher contexts), though this length can vary with bank composition and flood risk considerations.
If you’d like, I can tailor these nesting details to a specific kingfisher species or region (for example, Belted Kingfisher in North America or the common kingfisher in the UK) and provide a concise field guide-style checklist for identifying nesting sites in the field.
