Fishies beware

Bright plumage and pinpoint hunting skills make the kingfisher family a favorite among birdwatchers worldwide. The common kingfisher can be spotted across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, usually as it dives after swimming prey in an electric-blue flash. At rest—like this specimen seen in Germany—kingfishers are usually silent and still as they perch above the water, patiently scanning for passing fish. When they're not seen at all, it could signal a problem with the ecosystem: Due to their high sensitivity to water quality, kingfishers are considered indicator species.