Distinguishing the sexes

Males and females can be easily distinguished by their bills. The males have an entirely black beak from base to tip. The females have a red lower bill from the base to the centre. In July and August, juveniles from earlier broods can be seen. They are identified by a small white tip to the ends of their bills. The pointed bill of the adult is approximately 13/4in (4cm) in length, from tip to the base of the skull. The bright blue upper parts of the head and back are complemented with chestnut orange underparts. At close range the head shows a complex pattern of blue and orange, with white visible under the base of the bill and behind the eye. Weighing just over 1oz (34-39g), adult kingfishers are approximately 6in (16-17cm) in length, with a wingspan of 10in (24-26cm). They fly fast, at approximately 10-20mph up and down the river, usually two or three feet above the water. Their unique call is an unmistakable high pitched, piercing tone of a ‘ch(r)ee’ shrill.