Diving for Prey A kingfi sher’s ability to fi nd fi sh in water is just one of the adaptations that make it a great predator. Aſt er spotting prey, a kingfi sher has to catch it. It’s adapted to do that well, too. As you’ve seen, a kingfi sher dives head fi rst
into the water, reaching speeds of up to 40 kph. Slamming into the water at that speed would leave you battered and bruised and would also make a huge splash. However, a kingfi sher’s adaptations let it smoothly perform its high dive. T e bird’s stocky body absorbs the shock
of slamming into the water at high speed. T is keeps its bones from shattering when it hits the water. T e kingfi sher’s wedge-shaped bill and head allow the bird to quietly slip into the water without making a huge wave. T is makes it easier for it to close in on prey.
A kingfi sher dives head fi rst into the water.
A Big Appetite Once it has caught a fi sh in its bill, the bird uses both physical and behavioral adaptations to return to its branch. It turns around and fl aps its wings. Water doesn’t just fl ow through the wings. Instead, the wings push against the water, propelling the bird up. It bursts from the water and fl ies back to its branch. Back on its branch, the bird uses diff erent
behavioral adaptations to fi nish off the fi sh. It smacks the fi sh senseless, then swallows it head fi rst. T at way, the fi sh’s spiky fi ns and sharp scales don’t scratch or damage the bird’s throat on the way down. Each day, a kingfi sher eats enough fi sh to
Underwater, the kingfi sher quickly grabs a fi sh in its beak.
equal 60 percent of its body weight. T at’s a lot of fi sh! It must catch even more when it’s raising chicks. A pair of adults may catch as many as 70 fi sh a day to feed their chicks. Feeding their young is hard work. Kingfi shers
can have up to six chicks at a time, and not just once a year. T ey might raise two or three broods a year.
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NATIONAL GATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXTREME EXPLORER
EOGRAPHIC EXTREME EXPLORER
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