Kingfisher

The kingfisher makes its home along streams, rivers, and canals in Ireland.

Identification

Highly distinctive when observed closely due to its brightly colored plumage, the kingfisher features bright orange-red underparts, while the wings and back of the head display dark blue hues. Its back, rump, and tail exhibit a vivid, almost “electric” blue, often catching attention when the bird is in flight. Despite these striking colors, it can easily go unnoticed while perched motionless on a branch beside a stream or river, scanning for fish. During the breeding season, females sport a small red patch at the base of the bill, a feature absent in adult males.

More details can be found at https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/kingfisher/.