The common kingfisher is a small bird of the order of Coraciiformes. It inhabits wood and grassland areas of Eurasia, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. The bird winters within the south regions of these territories.

There are several versions of the origin of the bird’s name. The version that the kingfisher (zimorodok in Russian) breeds in winter (zima in Russian) is not correct as nestlings can appear in spring and summer as well. According to another, more widely spread version, the name derives from the word zemlerodok or zemorodok (“giving birth in earth”). Birds often burrow a hole where their nestlings appear.

The kingfisher is a very beautiful bird, it has bright green-blue upperparts with small white speckles on the head and wings and rufous underparts. The bird has the typical short-tailed, dumpy-bodied, large-headed, and long-billed shape.

The kingfisher is very particular about its place of living. It must have slow-flowing streams, rivers, or lakes with steep or well-vegetated banks. Kingfishers also do not like it if other birds leave around.

Kingfishers usually have their nests in vertical riverbanks or in excavated burrows. The straight burrow is sometimes 80 cm long and ends in a nest cavity with some litter. Birds use their liquid excrements to wet walls and harden them. They hide very carefully their nests so people can hardly find them.