Vibrant kingfishers soar in China's Anhui Province

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A kingfisher was caught on camera at Hongcun ancient village in Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province.

Kingfishers are known as excellent fish-hunters. As the name suggests, they are very skilled in catching fish. Their unique iris structure makes them capable of binocular vision and they can accurately track their prey without moving their heads. When hunting underwater, they are able to judge the depth of water precisely. The long and dagger-like bill also comes in handy when catching a fish.

Kingfishers have long and dagger-like bills that help them to hunt for fish. /VCG Photo

Kingfishers usually have bright blue or green feathers. /VCG Photo

Kingfishers have excellent vision which helps them in foraging. /VCG Photo

A kingfisher in the flight. /VCG Photo

A kingfisher resting on a twig. /VCG Photo

Although most kingfishers are hunt fish exclusively, some species prefer to prey on the ground for small insects. These species generally have shorter and broader bills that help them to dig on the ground for prey.

In China, kingfishers are admired for their bright, iridescent plumage and their name in Chinese also refers to a type of luxurious green jade. Chinese artists often like to incorporate their feathers into colorful artworks.