 the belted kingfisher (megaceryle alcyon) is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher, the only member of that group commonly found in the northern united states and canada. it is depicted on the 1986 series canadian $5 note. all kingfishers were formerly placed in one family, alcedinidae, but recent research suggests that this should be divided into three. all six new world kingfishers, together with three old world species, make up the new family cerylidae. ==description== the belted kingfisher is a stocky, medium-sized bird that measures between  in length with a wingspan of between . this kingfisher can weigh from . the adult female averages slightly larger than the adult male. this species has a large head with a shaggy crest. its long, heavy bill is black with a grey base. these features are common in many kingfisher species. this kingfisher shows sexual dimorphism, with the female more brightly coloured than the male. both sexes have a slate blue head, large white collar, a large blue band on the breast, and white underparts. the back and wings are slate blu
Animals_described_in_1758 Birds_of_North_America Birds_of_Puerto_Rico IUCN_Red_List_least_concern_species Kingfishers Megaceryle