The kingfisher is the only species of the kingfisher family found in Central Europe. It inhabits large parts of Europe, Asia and western North Africa and lives in moderately fast-flowing or stagnant, clear waters with small fish and perching areas. Its diet consists of fish, aquatic insects, small crustaceans and tadpoles. The population has rebounded in recent years and the species is currently classified as depleted in Europe, but as low threat throughout its range. The Kingfisher was Bird of the Year in Germany in 1973 and 2009, in the Czech Republic in 2000, in Belgium in 2005, in Switzerland in 2006, in Austria in 2009 and in Slovakia in 2011.
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