A little kingfisher bird

Kingfisher birds are a group of about 90 species of brightly colored birds that belong to the order Coraciiformes. They are found in most parts of the world, but mainly in the tropics. Here are some interesting facts about them:

- Kingfishers have a large head, a long and sharp bill, and a compact body. They can range in length from 10 to 42 cm (4 to 16.5 inches).
- Kingfishers are known for their spectacular dives into water to catch fish, which they usually swallow whole after stunning them on a perch. They can also eat crustaceans, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.
- The color of the kingfisher's feathers is not due to pigment, but to the reflection and refraction of light by the structure of the cells. This creates a metallic or iridescent effect.
- The largest kingfisher in the world is the laughing kookaburra of Australia, which can weigh up to 500 grams (16 ounces) and has a loud, laughing call. The smallest kingfisher is the African dwarf kingfisher, which weighs only 10 grams (0.35 ounces) and is about the size of a hummingbird.