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Steve Backshall presents the story and sound of the kingfisher.

Tweet of the Day is a series of fascinating stories about our British birds inspired by their calls and songs. Steve Backshall presents the kingfisher.

The Ancient Greeks knew the kingfisher as Halcyon and believed that the female built her nest on the waves, calming the seas while she brooded her eggs: hence the expression Halcyon days, which we use now for periods of tranquillity.

Kingfishers can bring in over 100 fish a day to their large broods and the resulting collection of bones and offal produces a stench that doesn't match the bird's attractive appearance.

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2 minutes

Last on

Tue 7 Feb 202305:58
BBC Radio 4

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Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Image courtesy of RSPB (rspb-images.com)

Broadcasts

  • Tue 16 Jul 201305:58
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 29 Jul 201405:58
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 4 May 201605:58
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 11 Apr 201705:58
    BBC Radio 4
  • Thu 28 Mar 201905:58
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 13 Sep 202008:58
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 7 Feb 202305:58
    BBC Radio 4

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