Kingfisher

The Kingfisher can be seen hunting for fish in both fresh and salt-water areas in the Merrimac River region. The Kingfisher has a large beak, bluish-gray back and head, and a white underside. It can grow to be 13 inches long and is usually about the size of a pigeon. The Kingfisher makes a distinctive loud rattling screech when leaving its perch.

The diet of the Kingfisher consists of small fish, salamanders and frogs. When it hunts, the Kingfisher hovers above the water to look for prey. When it sees a potential meal, it dives down into the water and grabs its prey with its oversized bill.

The Kingfisher usually nests at the end of abandoned burrows near the water. Laying 5-8 eggs a year, both Kingfisher parents play an important role in raising the young.