kingfisher

Any of various birds of the family Alcedinidae, characteristically having a crested head, a long stout beak, a short tail, and brilliant coloration.

Any bird of the extensive family Alcedinidæ.

Erroneously—2. The water-ouzel, Cinclus aquaticus, popularly imagined to be the female of the kingfisher Alcedo ispida. [Local, (Scotland and Ireland.]

The tern or sea-swallow. Also king’s-fisher.

Any one of numerous species of birds constituting the family Alcedinidæ. Most of them feed upon fishes which they capture by diving and seizing them with the beak; others feed only upon reptiles, insects, etc. About one hundred and fifty species are known. They are found in nearly all parts of the world, but are particularly abundant in the East Indies.

Any of various birds of the suborder Alcedines, having a large head, short tail and brilliant colouration; they feed mostly on fish.

nonpasserine large-headed bird with a short tail and long sharp bill; usually crested and bright-colored; feed mostly on fish