EOÜ collects information about the bird of next year
Photo: Sven Zacek
Translation: Liis
Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) with pike
The Estonian Ornithological Society elected the kingfisher as bird of the year for 2014. Its abundance in Estonia is comparatively low, but it is a well known and beloved bird species due to its appearance. Because of the extraordinary blue colour of its back plumage, exotic in our nature, it is called the jewel of the North, and for the same reason is also a favourite of photographers.
50 to 300 pairs of kingfishers nest in Estonia. The large variation in numbers is due to cold winters that are disastrous for them. Kingfishers mainly inhabit bank areas of rivers and creeks and feed on small fish. They usually dig their nest burrows into the brink of the water body. In one summer a kingfisher may raise several clutches. The best known nesting areas for kingfishers in Estonia are at the rivers in the sandstone areas of south-eastern Estonia. Up to about 100 birds probably remain in Estonia for winter. The kingfisher belongs to the II category of protected animal species and to the so-called Annex I of the EU „Bird directive“.
Plans for the year of the kingfisher include, in addition to introducing the species, mapping locations where it has been observed and clarifying estimates of numbers, studying its breeding ecology etc. Attention will also be paid to other birds at streaming waters.
We collect stories, photos, images and experiences connected with kingfishers already now, but also suggestions for activities to be carried out during the year of the kingfisher. We look forward to them at the address:
Riho Kinks
or by mail
MTÜ Eesti Ornitoloogiaühing,Veski 4, Tartu 51005
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