Eurasian Kingfisher -- Called Kawasemi (カワセミ) in Japan

Another name for this bird is River Kingfisher.

Scientists call it an Alcedo atthis.

The birds shown here, were photographed in the Namisato district of Kin Town.

Links for those interested in learning more about these colorful birds:

Animal Corner

ARKive

Wildlife Okinawa

This Little Bird Whacks a Fish to Death

The Kingfisher Takes Its Prey Back to a Perch

 

 

Here's one smacking a little fish on a rock to kill it before gulping it down.

If the fish were alive, it might spread its fins to keep from being swallowed.

The bird doesn't want to choke on a live fish, refusing to be eaten.

Once the fish stops fighting and is sort of pulverized, down the hatch it goes.

 This is the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis).

It is also known as a River Kingfisher or, Eurasian Kingfisher.

In Japanese, it is called a Kawasemi (カワセミ).

Learn more about this bird at the following sites:

ARKive

BIRDGUIDES

A wetland wildlife site in Singapore gave me this information, deserving of a quote:

"Before eating a fish, the bird will hold it by its tail and whack it to death against the perch,

 particularly fishes with poky fins.

Otherwise, the live fish may extend its fins in the bird's throat, choking it, sometimes to death."

Japanese readers may wish to visit Okinawa-kaeru