How to Photograph Kingfishers

In this article, I’ll give you lots of information on how to photograph Kingfishers.

Finding and Photographing Kingfishers: Where to Start

Photographing Kingfishers can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a wildlife photographer, but it all begins with knowing where and how to find them. Here are some practical tips to help you get started.

Where to Find Kingfishers

Kingfishers are often found near slow-moving rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. They prefer areas with overhanging branches or reeds where they can perch and scan for fish. Look for clear water, as Kingfishers rely on visibility to hunt. You’ll also want to listen for their distinctive, high-pitched call—this can often lead you to their location before you see them.

Best Time to Spot Kingfishers

Kingfishers are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, especially in warmer months. If you’re out at dawn or dusk, you’ll increase your chances of spotting them, as they are most likely to be feeding during these times. Patience is key, as they can be elusive.

Setting Up the Perfect Perch

One of the best ways to improve your chances of photographing a Kingfisher is by setting up a perch near their regular hunting grounds. If you notice a specific spot where a Kingfisher frequently fishes, install a branch or natural perch close by. The key is to place the perch within range for your camera lens—about 15 to 20 feet away is ideal for a sharp, detailed shot using a telephoto lens.

For reference, I typically use a Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens, and shooting at 400mm allows me to capture the Kingfisher in full frame with excellent sharpness. When choosing a perch, think about the background—aim for a distance of over 30 feet behind the perch to achieve that beautiful, soft, and blurred background that keeps the Kingfisher in focus.

Photographing Kingfishers’ quick tips & tricks

Photographing a Kingfisher can be one of the most rewarding events for a wildlife photographer. It takes a lot of research, time, patience and luck to get your first Kingfisher photograph.

The key to the majority of Kingfisher photography is to get as close as possible without disturbing the Kingfishers.

Kingfishers need suitable perches to hunt from and you’ll find that they have preferred spots that they’ll return to consistently.

Safely adding perches over the water to tempt them closer to you is a good approach.

Freshwater rivers, canals, and small lakes are popular places for kingfishers to reside and fish. They frequently travel to coastal locations in the winter.

Kingfishers like to nest and fish in freshwater rivers, canals, and small lakes. In the winter, they usually visit coastal areas.

Kingfishers are widespread across the United Kingdom and are best seen in central Britain and they come more common the further south you go.

There are some in the north around Scotland and the Hebrides but they are in much lesser numbers.

I’ve seen Kingfisher hunt all throughout the day during daylight hours. They can be more active early morning when they’ll be hungry from not feeding through the night. They are also more actively fishing just before the evening so they don’t roost on an empty stomach.

Kingfishers eat small fish and small fish become more active when the daylight starts to warm the water.

Kingfishers are native to the UK and do not migrate. They can be seen all year round and you have a better chance of seeing them just after spring mid-May and into June when the fledglings have just ventured out into the world.

Kingfisher fledglings will have fledged and will be learning to fish at this time of year. Fledglings aren’t as wary as adult Kingfishers are and they tend to come closer to you.

The Kingfisher is my favourite subject to photograph when it is perched. It is quite difficult to capture images of them soaring and diving because of how much room they have to fish in. Although it doesn’t happen often, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture images of them hovering and diving on occasion.

The default settings for my camera are an F8 aperture (where the Sigma 150-600c is the sharpest) and an auto ISO setting with a maximum of 6400 ISO.

Noise can be a problem because I typically use my Nikon Z50, which has a crop sensor. I only use a low ISO because of this. I have to wait for better lighting or find a better perspective or solution if it’s too dim. For noisy shots, I love using Topaz DeNoise, which also helps me clean up and sharpen my low-light photos.

Kingfisher photography requires a silent shutter. They are incredibly sensitive to noise.

You’re seeing a brilliant blue because of a process known as structural colouration. Structural colouration gives animals the appearance of being far more colourful than they actually are. So even though the kingfisher’s feathers are brown in colour, you see them as a dazzling blue.

In basic terms, the Kingfisher’s blue feathers aren’t caused by pigment alone. The shape and structure of the Kingfisher’s feather bounce light back to your eyes that looks Blue.

To experience photographing Kingfishers is one of the best feelings you can have as a wildlife photographer. You will need to be extremely patient and do plenty of research before you go out to photograph Kingfishers.

Learn your camera and lens and have them preset to the best settings for photographing Kingfishers.

Seeing Kingfishers out in the wild can be fleeting and you need to make sure you’re calm, prepared and ready for when they appear.

My camera’s default settings are an F8 aperture (the sharpest setting for the Sigma 150-600c) and an auto ISO setting with a maximum of 6400 ISO.

Shutterspeed for photographing perched Kingfishers can be between 1/650 and 1/2000 of a second. They are not the stillest of birds but are much calmer than Grey Wagtails, Goldcrests and Long-Tailed Tits.

Noise can be an issue if you’re out early and late to photograph Kingfishers. They are often shadowed by river banks and trees. Because of this, I only use low ISO settings. If the light is too dim, I have to wait for better lighting or find a better angle or solution. I love Topaz DeNoise, which also helps me sharpen and clean up my dimly lit images, for noisy shots.

A silent shutter is required for kingfisher photography. They are extremely sensitive to any noise.

Kingfisher photography is best done in the summer, especially in July when there may be a lot of activity due to mating and fledglings being in the area. You must not disturb or closely watch a Kingfisher nest and its surroundings.

Camera Settings for Photographing Kingfishers

When photographing Kingfishers, especially while perched, it’s important to use camera settings that allow you to capture sharp, detailed images while accounting for the bird’s fast movements and often challenging lighting conditions. Here’s what I recommend based on my experience.

Shutter Speed: Freezing the Action

Since Kingfishers are quick, even when perched, using the right shutter speed is essential. I typically set my shutter speed between 1/400 – 1/1000 depending on the available light and the bird’s activity.

1/400 is sufficient for capturing the Kingfisher while it’s perched and relatively still.
1/1000 is useful for those rare moments when you’re lucky enough to catch them in action—like hovering or diving—without introducing motion blur.

If you’re photographing them diving or flying, you may need to go even faster (around 1/2000 or higher), but I’ve found it challenging to consistently capture those shots.

Aperture: Finding the Sweet Spot

I shoot with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens, and I find the sharpest results come at f/8. This aperture provides a good balance between depth of field and sharpness, especially when photographing Kingfishers perched on a branch.

f/8 gives enough depth of field to ensure the whole bird is in focus, while still offering good separation between the subject and background, creating a beautiful bokeh effect.

If you’re using a different lens, be sure to experiment with your aperture to find the sharpest setting for your setup.

ISO: Balancing Light and Noise

Since I primarily use the Nikon Z50, a crop sensor camera, noise can become an issue at high ISO levels. To manage this, I set my ISO to auto with a maximum cap of ISO 6400. This ensures I’m not pushing the camera too far into noisy territory, while still allowing for flexibility in changing light conditions.

In low light conditions, even with the ISO capped at 6400, I sometimes have to pause and wait for better lighting or find an alternative angle that gives me more light. If the ISO goes too high, the resulting noise can be significant.

For cleaning up noisy shots, I use Topaz DeNoise, which has been an excellent tool for reducing noise while preserving details. This allows me to shoot even in tricky lighting conditions without sacrificing too much image quality.

Silent Shutter: Avoid Spooking the Bird

Kingfishers are easily startled, so using a silent shutter is crucial when photographing them. Any sudden noise can spook them, sending them flying before you get your shot. Fortunately, most modern cameras, including the Nikon Z50, offer a silent or electronic shutter option, which lets you shoot quietly without scaring away your subject.

Key Takeaway

The key to successfully photographing Kingfishers is finding the right balance between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Depending on your gear and environment, the following settings can serve as a starting point:

Shutter speed: 1/400 – 1/1000 (faster for action shots)
Aperture: f/8 for sharpness and good depth of field
ISO: Auto with a maximum limit of 6400, adjusted for light conditions
Silent shutter: Always enabled to avoid disturbing the bird

By using these settings, you’ll increase your chances of capturing sharp, well-lit images of Kingfishers in their natural environment.

Female Kingfisher in a defensive pose on a wooden post

Kingfisher Facts: Everything You Need to Know

Kingfishers are one of the UK’s most striking and colourful birds. Despite their small size, they are instantly recognisable due to their vibrant plumage and unique fishing techniques. Here are some key facts about these fascinating birds:

Appearance and Size

Kingfishers may be small, but they have a distinctive appearance that makes them stand out. Measuring between 15 and 17 cm in length, they have relatively short wings, a large head compared to their body, and a long, pointed bill. This long bill is perfectly adapted for their primary hunting method – fishing. It allows them to dart swiftly into the water, slicing through with minimal resistance to catch small fish.

Plumage: Kingfishers are famous for their brilliant colours. They have a vibrant turquoise band along their back and striking blue wings that seem to shimmer in the light. Their heads feature a distinctive blue and white speckled pattern, while their cheeks and underbelly are a rich brownish-red. You’ll also notice distinct white patches just under the bill and a white flash on either side of their necks, which contrasts beautifully with their colourful plumage.

Behaviour and Habitat

One of the most notable things about Kingfishers is how vocal they are. You’ll often hear a Kingfisher before you see one, as they emit a sharp, high-pitched call. Once you’re familiar with their sound, it’s easy to track them down. However, even if you can’t spot them immediately, keep your eyes peeled for a quick flash of blue flying low over the water’s surface.

Kingfishers are found near rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, where the water is clear enough for them to spot their prey. They are expert hunters, diving quickly to snatch up small fish and returning to their perch to eat.

Unique Features

Speed: Kingfishers are incredibly fast fliers, often flying low across the water. Their agility allows them to navigate their watery habitats with ease.
Diving: Their long bill isn’t just for show—it’s a critical tool for fishing. A Kingfisher can dive swiftly and accurately into the water, catching fish with precision.
Colouration: The iridescent blue seen on their wings and back is due to light scattering through their feathers, rather than pigment. This makes their colours appear even more vivid in direct sunlight.

Pro Tip for Photographers: Learning to identify their sharp calls will help you spot them more easily. Once you hear a Kingfisher, stay still and watch for that characteristic flash of blue—they often fly low and fast, right above the water’s surface.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kingfishers

Where Can I Find Kingfishers?

Kingfishers are commonly found near freshwater rivers, canals, and small lakes. They prefer areas with slow-moving or still water, which provides the ideal environment for fishing. During the winter, some Kingfishers may migrate to coastal areas where the water remains ice-free, ensuring their access to food.

Are Kingfishers Rare?

Kingfishers are not rare, especially in central and southern England, where they are commonly seen. However, they are becoming less frequent in northern regions. Encouragingly, their population is expanding in Scotland after facing declines in the past. In lowland areas, they can be found near rivers, lakes, and canals where the water is slow-moving.

Are Kingfishers Endangered?

The Eurasian Kingfisher is not endangered, but it is a heavily protected species in the UK. They are listed under Schedule One of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which means disturbing them during the nesting or rearing of their young requires a special licence. It’s important to respect their habitats, especially during the breeding season.

When Is the Best Time to See Kingfishers?

The summer months are ideal for spotting Kingfishers, particularly in July, when activity around their nests peaks. However, it’s crucial not to disturb them while they’re nesting, as they are a protected species. Observing from a distance and not looking for nest sites is key to ensuring their safety.

The best of luck and I hope this guide on how to photograph Kingfishers has helped you.

How to Photograph Kingfishers – A Complete Guide (Updated 2024)