GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon)

Species Code: CEAL

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Predicted breeding range

= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

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Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Observations | Historic Gap points

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Habitat

This species was common in freshwater and estuarine habitats throughout the state at low and moderate elevations. They nest in burrows and sandy banks and are not normally found in high-elevation lakes due to low prey availability.

Good habitat in the core areas of use included all wetlands below the Sub-alpine Fir and Mountain Hemlock zones throughout the state.

The Washington breeder subspecies is the western form C. a. caurina, though some authorities discount this geographic variation. Apparently the major limiting factors in Belted Kingfisher distribution are prey and nest-site availability. Records come from throughout the state, mostly at low to moderate elevations. Fairly high elevation breeding-season records come from Dewey Lake at Chinook Pass, and a high sub-alpine marsh alone the Chewack River. Nests are three- to six-foot deep burrows in high sand banks.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester