Kingfisher Bird Mug – Wildlife on the Canal

Description

From our ‘Wildlife on the Canal’ series – our charming watercolour Kingfisher mug.

Printed in high resolution on both sides of the white ceramic mug, the kingfisher image and text can withstand up to 3000 dishwasher cycles!

What a perfect gift for a birdwatcher, nature lover or narrowboater. In fact, this would make a lovely gift for anybody who loves UK canals!

This coffee or tea mug is microwave safe, too.

Some facts about the Kingfisher

In the UK, the most commonly recognized kingfisher species is the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). It’s known for its distinctive bright blue and orange plumage and is often seen near rivers and streams.

The Common Kingfisher is a small bird, measuring about 16-17 cm in length. It has a stocky build with a large head, short tail, and a long, straight bill which is ideal for fishing. The upper parts of the bird are a bright metallic blue, while the underparts are a rich orange. The females can be identified by their orange bill with a black tip, whereas the males have an entirely black bill.

Kingfishers in the UK are most often found near slow-moving or still water where they can hunt for their primary prey, small fish. They perch on branches or reeds close to the water before diving in to catch fish with their beaks. After catching a fish, they return to their perch and beat the fish against it before swallowing it whole.

The nesting habits of the Common Kingfisher are also unique. They excavate tunnels in riverbanks, usually around a metre long, where they lay their eggs in a small chamber at the end. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

Kingfishers, while widespread across the UK, are listed as a species of conservation concern due to their sensitivity to pollution and changes in water quality. They are a protected species under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Spotting a kingfisher is considered a special moment for many wildlife enthusiasts due to the bird’s elusive nature and stunning appearance.