Shropshire photographer captures female kingfisher diving for prey
Wildlife photographer Martin Goff captured a striking image of a female common kingfisher diving into a lake in Shropshire on 30 September, showcasing the remarkable precision and speed at which these birds hunt. Kingfishers move so quickly that even dedicated bird spotters often fail to observe them in action, making photographs of such decisive moments genuinely rare and noteworthy. The vibrant plumage and hunting prowess of the common kingfisher make it one of the UK's most beautiful yet elusive birds.
The bird in the photograph is identifiable as female by the distinctive orange-red coloration on the lower half of her beak. Common kingfishers weigh between 35 and 50 grammes, measure 16-17 centimetres in length and have a wingspan of approximately 24-26 centimetres. They are the only kingfisher species native to Britain, though more than 80 species exist worldwide, typically inhabiting dense foliage and perching patiently near slow-flowing water whilst hunting.
- Wildlife photographer captures common kingfisher diving for fish
- Female bird identified by distinctive red beak markings
- Only native UK kingfisher species, weighs 35-50 grammes
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The common kingfisher is a striking and elusive bird native to Britain, known for its vibrant plumage and remarkable hunting prowess. Photographing these birds in action is exceptionally difficult because they move at such speed that even experienced bird watchers rarely see them hunt. This makes images capturing the moment of a kingfisher diving for prey genuinely rare and noteworthy.
The kingfisher in this photograph, taken in Shropshire on 30 September, is identifiable as female by the distinctive orange-red colouring on the lower half of her beak. Common kingfishers are tiny birds, weighing between 35 and 50 grammes and measuring 16-17 centimetres in length. They are the only kingfisher species native to Britain, though more than 80 other kingfisher species exist worldwide.
These birds typically inhabit areas near slow-flowing water, where they perch patiently and favour dense foliage for shelter. Their hunting technique involves diving at high speed into the water with precise accuracy to catch small prey, which is why successful photographs of such behaviour are rarely captured.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Nice catch! Photographer snaps kingfisher diving for her food”.