The "X Factor" Bird

Current television reality shows search for performers with a special something called the “X Factor."

These performers are usually attractive, charismatic and unforgettable.  For me, the Kingfisher has the “X Factor."

I first saw a Kingfisher in Long Beach more than 10 years ago.

I was walking along the Cerritos Channel, north of 7^th Street, when I saw a flash of bright blue and white.

I could hardly believe my eyes.  I thought such brightly colored birds were only seen in tropical jungles.  At home, my bird book identified this colorful creature as a Kingfisher.  Just this month, I’ve spied two Kingfishers near the Cerritos Channel that runs along Studebaker Road. 

The Belted Kingfisher sits above a body of water and watches for food. 

This bird primarily eats fish.  Once prey is spotted, the Kingfisher plunges in head first to catch the fish in its bill.

Sometimes the Kingfisher will hover over water searching for food. 

The birds make a rattling noise that sounds like they are scolding someone.

The Kingfisher breeds along streams, rivers and estuaries. 

They build nests in burrows in a bank near water.

They lay five to eight eggs. 

Stay alert when you’re near a stream or wetlands and you may spot a Kingfisher.  Listen for its cry.  Look for its unusual shape.  Or, take a hike with wetlands ecologists.  These hikes are sponsored by the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust and occur on the first Saturday of the month.  Information can be found here. 

You’ll be happy to see this colorful bird with the “X Factor."