What is the color of belted kingfisher birds?

The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a North American bird of the kingfisher family, Cerylidae Its striking appearance of a white neck ring, blue-gray upperparts and a large spiky crest make it a popular bird among many. However, their coloring is not limited to just blue and white. In fact, the belted kingfisher exhibits sexual dimorphism, where the male and female birds have distinct color patterns:

Male:

- Blue-gray upperparts, including the wings, back, and tail.

- A prominent white neck ring that encircles the entire neck.

- A long and pointed blue crest on the head.

- White underparts, including the chest, belly, and throat.

Female:

- Similar blue-gray upperparts as the male.

- A rufous (rusty-brown) chest band or collar that separates the white throat from the blue-gray breast and belly.

- A less prominent white neck ring compared to the male.

- Blue crest, similar to the male.

Overall, the belted kingfisher's coloration is a combination of blue-gray, white, and either a white neck ring (in males) or a rufous chest band (in females).