About Kingfishers and Allies

Overview

Coraciiformes are a colourful order of 185 species that includes the kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers, todies and motmots of forests, woodlands and waterways worldwide, mainly in the tropics. They typically have strong, often long bills and brilliant plumage, and many are sit-and-wait hunters. Kingfishers in particular are accomplished fishers, while bee-eaters are aerial insect specialists.

Classification

The order Kingfishers and Allies (Latin: CORACIIFORMES) comprises 6 families and roughly 185 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Coraciiformes are a colourful order of 185 species that includes the kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers, todies and motmots of forests, woodlands and waterways worldwide, mainly in the tropics.

Notable Families

Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Motmots, Rollers, Ground Rollers, Todies and others.