Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
The common kingfisher, also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_kingfisher
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Coraciiformes
Family
Alcedinidae
Genus
Alcedo
Common Kingfisher belongs to the family Alcedinidae, order Coraciiformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The common kingfisher, also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.
The Common Kingfisher faces significant pressure from habitat degradation and pollution of freshwater ecosystems across its range. Water pollution, river channelization, and wetland destruction have reduced the availability of clean waterways essential for fishing, while climate change is altering precipitation patterns and water levels that affect prey availability.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits slow-moving freshwater rivers, streams, canals, lakes, and ponds with clear water and abundant small fish, requiring vegetated banks with suitable soil for excavating nesting burrows. Also utilizes coastal areas, estuaries, and mangrove channels in some regions.
Threats
River channelization and habitat modification
Water pollution and eutrophication
Wetland drainage and destruction
Bank erosion and nesting site loss
Climate change impacts on water systems
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/common-kingfisher