| Scientific name | Megaceryle lugubris |
| English name | Crested Kingfisher |
| Japanese name | 山翡翠 |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | lugubris |
| Subspecies | -- |
| Full length | About 38cm. |
| Distribution | It is found from Kyushu northward. |
It is the largest of the Japanese kingfisher birds, growing to a length of just under 40cm. Its whole body is black and white with a white belly. Males have a brownish chest.
Its distinctive, upturned crest is the origin of its English name "Crested".
A small number of them live as resident birds in mountain streams and ponds. They can also be seen on the coast. They live alone or in pairs. Like kingfishers, they dive into the water to catch fish.
While driving along the coastline of Rausu Town in Hokkaido, I discovered an individual perched on a branch overhanging the sea. I stopped the car and took a photo from the window. It was refreshing to see it on the coastline.
Introducing a picture of Crested Kingfisher.