Observations on the Breeding Biology and Behavior of a Nesting Population of Belted Kingfishers

Abstract

A preliminary investigation of the Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) was initiated by Becker (MS) as part of the program of biological investigations carried on at the Lake Itasca Forestry and Biological Station of The University of Minnesota. Becker's original study was expanded by me, and field work was done from June through August, 1958, in an attempt to clarify the role of the Belted Kingfisher in the ecologic community at Itasca. The objectives of the field study of 1958 were: (1) to devise methods of trapping and marking the Itasca population of kingfishers; (2) to estimate the breeding population in Itasca Park; (3) to determine the daily range of nesting kingfishers; and (4) to obtain additional life history data. The Lake Itasca Forestry and Biological Station is located on the eastern shore of Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, Minnesota. The 50 square miles of Itasca Park contain northern conifer-hardwood forest, central hardwood forest, and prairie. Lakes, bogs, and ecotones are abundant. The study area consisted of 25 square miles in the eastern half of the park. Intensive studies on the feeding habits of the Belted Kingfisher have been carried on in the maritime provinces of Canada (White, 1953) and in Michigan (Sayler and Lagler, 1949). Interesting accounts of this bird's habits and life history may be found in Barrows (1912), Bent (1940), Forbush (1927), and Roberts (1932).A review of the literature, however, reveals little information about the daily range of nesting kingfishers, their fishing territories, and their population dynamics. Furthermore, earlier studies on the Belted Kingfisher have dealt with the bird as a streamside occupant, whereas at Itasca it utilizes a lake shore habitat.