Variation in the diet of the Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis along a stream habitat

Abstract

Generalist predators are able to exploit diverse prey depending on its spatial and temporal availability. Here, we examined how the diet of a generalist fish-eating predator, the Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, varied at the small spatial scale and throughout the breeding season. Analysis of debris collected from six nests showed that the diet composition of five breeding pairs significantly differed, although they bred in close proximity. Prey choice also differed between birds that reared their young at the beginning and at the end of the breeding season. Overall, kingfishers consumed seven fish species, with Roach Rutilus rutilus as the most frequent prey taken both at the beginning and at the end of the breeding season.