Recently, while exploring the streams in the remote back areas of Huntley Meadows Park, I have heard the unmistakable call of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) several times. Yesterday, on a warm spring-like day, I finally got a clear view of this beautiful female.
As I have mentioned before in some earlier postings, Belted Kingfishers are unusual in the bird world—the females are more colorful than the males. Females have a blue and a chestnut band across their white breasts and the males have only a blue band.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I saw a kingfisher just yesterday. Whether it was male or female, I don’t know, because I was driving and only caught a glimpse. But, I didn’t know that the females are the more colorful — next time I see one I’ll give a closer look.
I love kingfishers, although the sound of their call is a bit grating on the ears. If you see that chestnut band on the chest–it’s a female. For some odd reason, most of the ones I have seen have been females.
That’s a wonderful perch!
Photogenic and in the open, much nicer than hiding among the branches of a tree.
She’s a beauty – very nice shot!
Beautiful composition, Mike!
Beautiful shot!
Thanks, Allen.
Congratulations, Mike — you photo’d the Belted Queenfisher we heard last time we photowalked together! And I admit I stole your punny name for female Belted Kingfishers.
Thanks, Walter. It was quite likely the same kingfisher, given that it was in the same area of the park where we heard it. Belted Queenfisher? You may also have to come up with a new name for the male damselflies. 🙂