Editor’s Note: The Belted Kingfisher is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
Belted kingfishers have returned to Florida – they start migrating to the state in August and typically remain until February. These birds are one of the three species of kingfishers found in the United States.
Belted kingfishers exhibit reverse sexual dimorphism, meaning the female is more brightly colored than the male. Both sexes have a slate blue head, a large white collar, a prominent blue band on the breast, and white underparts. However, the female also sports a rufous band across her upper belly that extends down the flanks.
These distinctive birds can often be seen perched above bodies of water, keenly watching for their aquatic prey. They build nests in steep, dirt riverbanks by digging deep horizontal tunnels, with the nest located at the end of the tunnel.
CROW recently admitted a kingfisher (patient 25-3842) after it collided with a window at Shell Point. The impact of window strikes can vary significantly, and in this instance, the bird suffered considerable head trauma. Upon admission, it was unable to stand and exhibited an unusually low heart rate and irregular breathing.
CROW’s team acted swiftly by placing the bird in an ICU oxygen incubator and administering anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication. The animal showed dramatic improvement with supportive care, and after two weeks of treatment, it was released back into the wild.
Like all migratory birds, kingfishers are vulnerable to window strikes, as reflections or views beyond the glass appear accessible. There are several ways to bird-proof your windows, including decals, paints, or installing simple bug screens.
Most migratory birds travel at night, so they can become easily disoriented by light pollution from both outdoor and indoor lights. Additionally, lights tend to attract birds to developed areas, which increases their encounters with glass.
To protect nocturnal migrants, close your curtains and turn off outdoor lights to decrease light pollution. Visit BirdCast.info to monitor bird migration in your area.