\King"fish`er\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of birds constituting the family
{Alcedinid[ae]}. Most of them feed upon fishes which they
capture by diving and seizing then with the beak; others feed
only upon reptiles, insects, etc. About one hundred and fifty
species are known. They are found in nearly all parts of the
world, but are particularly abundant in the East Indies.
Note: The belted king-fisher of the United States ({Ceryle
      alcyon}) feeds upon fishes. It is slate-blue above,
      with a white belly and breast, and a broad white ring
      around the neck. A dark band crosses the breast. The
      common European species ({Alcedo ispida}), which is
      much smaller and brighter colored, is also a fisher.
      See {Alcedo}. The wood kingfishers ({Halcyones}), which
      inhabit forests, especially in Africa, feed largely
      upon insects, but also eat reptiles, snails, and small
      Crustacea, as well as fishes. The giant kingfisher of
      Australia feeds largely upon lizards and insects. See
      {Laughing jackass}, under {Laughing}.