Range maps for North American birds readily reveal the Belted Kingfisher as one of the most widely distributed birds on the continent.  Places of suitable habitat,  clear water of rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, or estuaries with adequate fish and a branch or structure to perch define their distribution.  They breed coast to coast in most of the United States and Canada.  As seasons change and winter chills replace the warmth of summer, a silent destroyer of the kingfisher habitat invades.  Starting in the far north, the enemy creeps slowly southward.  When ice conquers the landscape, preventing access to fish, many drift largely southward to find open water.  Most withdraw from Canada, some relocating for winter as far south as northern South America. 

The American Ornithological Society recently announced that it will choose new names for birds named after people, as well as birds with names deemed offensive or exclusionary. 

So how does the name Belted Kingfisher measure up in today’s quest for appropriateness and inclusion?   

Belted: Both male and female wear a slaty blue “belt” across the chest bisecting the brilliant white throat and belly.  In a twist on gender, the female adds a second bright rusty band that spills onto the flank atypically making the female the more colorful of the pair.  

Fisher:  While kingfishers consume a variety of available prey, fish are by far the predominant food source.  

King: Most definitions start with “a male ruler …” which excludes half the population causing some hesitancy for some. A broader definition of king, considered more inclusive, is a person or thing superior or outstanding in a specific quality.

Most would probably agree that the Belted Kingfisher is appropriately named. 

How delightfully pleasant it is to be walking along a clear body of water listening to nature's soft sounds of rustling breezes, rippling water, and melodious bird song when suddenly a loud strident rattle punctuates the scene and a blue belted master fisher flies swiftly and conspicuously by in pursuit of prey or intruder.