Kingfisher Symbolism & Meaning

The Kingfisher stares at you with dark, brown penetrating eyes. Their vision acts like a zoom lens, a feature giving Kingfisher an immediate association with Clairvoyance. Even so, the Kingfisher has no eye sockets. They must move their head to see the terrain.

In the water, Kingfisher always knows the depths of surrounding waves, using keen judgment. Instinct helps them in the hunt, as the Kingfisher uses a long sharp bill for capturing its prey. It is a bird who remains aloof to humans, but humans remain fascinated by them, as evidenced by their presence in global myths and lore.

Kingfisher Table of Contents

• Kingfisher Symbolism & Meaning
• Kingfisher Spirit Animal
• Kingfisher Totem Animal
• Kingfisher Power Animal
• Native American Kingfisher Symbolism
• Kingfisher as a Greek Animal Symbol
• Kingfisher Dreams
• Back to all Birds
• Back to all Spirit Animal Meanings

Kingfisher Symbolism & Meaning

In Polynesia, where the bird is sacred, the Kingfisher represents control over the seas. The connection is easy to see when you learn about the Kingfishers’ preference for living near water bodies where they can find food. Some clever Kingfishers even take to stocked backyard ponds!

Kingfishers exhibit adaptation. They live on every continent but Antartica. While drawn toward the water, they’ll live in forests, jungles, mountains, and even the desert, too, if necessary. Home-sweet-home Happiness for the Kingfisher lies in the tropical regions of the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Australia.

Old stories tell us the Kingfisher wasn’t always green and blue, but a drab gray. One begins with the Great Flood. When Noah released the Kingfisher from the Ark, it flew upward, focused on the sky and sun. The Kingfisher’s feathers gradually turned into the same blue as the sky, a hue associated with wealth, peace, and gentle love. Other colors seen on Kingfishers include yellow (the sun), pink (friendship), and purple (royalty and the higher self).

When preparing a nest, the Kingfisher looks to water banks. Here both the male and female birds tunnel into the dirt and mud, going as far as ten feet for safety. The eggs nestle here until they hatch. The fledglings remain in the nest, cared for by both parents, coming out when they’re ready to face the world independently. The nesting cycle and location give the Kingfisher ties to the Earth Element and the Water. Note: Kingfishers in forest dwellings might use an old tree cavity instead.

The elemental correspondences don’t end there. Kingfishers illustrate the skills of trained aerialists, flying straight and fast to their destination. Sometimes you will see them hover before diving for fish. In contrast to its gracefulness, they’re awkward when perching and walking. Coordination on land is not a Kingfisher’s strong suit.

Kingfishers symbolize communication too. They’re not songbirds, though. Instead, they make various sounds like cackling, squeaking, and whistling. Each sound serves distinct purposes, including wooing a mate and scaring off predators.

Kingfisher Spirit Animal

When Kingfisher arrives in your life as a Spirit Animal, it heralds a time of abundance and peace. You have harvested the results of competent labor and begin attracting good fortune. Rejoice! Open your wings and fly on the winds of prosperity. Kingfisher will pull you back, however, if you misuse the blessing.

Kingfisher sometimes arrives as a Spirit Animal when you struggle with a specific fear. Kingfisher teaches you how to invoke courage and tackle anything coming your way head-on. The fear you experience may be because of an “unknown”- something you won’t truly discover until you reach the horizon. Kingfisher Spirit reminds you, such situations can open the way to expanded consciousness. Transform fear into anticipation.

The Kingfisher Spirit Animal brings new things into your life. Perhaps there will be a change in careers, a potential mate, or a skill you’ve been trying to develop. Whatever focus the Kingfisher brings, stick to it. Keep it in your sights. The best part? You will have a ton of fun.
For individuals who struggle with self-expression, the Kingfisher is a welcome ally. Explore the words you use and how you use them. Think about body language. Apply the psychic gifts you have for tapping into intent. If you heed your Spirit Animal’s advice, people will see you, hear you, and understand you fully.

Kingfisher Totem Animal

Individuals born with a Kingfisher Totem Animal exhibit a balance between pleasure and productivity, having no issue with hard work. But they won’t sacrifice all happiness in pursuit of the proverbial brass ring. Such individuals teach their children the same life outlook, one stressing the delicate balance between responsibility and freedom.

If your Birth Totem is the Kingfisher, you may feel more at ease near the water (at least within a short drive). You are a good parent and partner and have a habit of “adopting” stray people who can benefit from your life’s wisdom. You end up with an extended family of a sort because of your kindness, which suits you just fine.

Kingfisher Medicine is bold. You will dive head-long toward a goal with tremendous confidence without becoming egotistical. Keeping everything in balance is the best coping mechanism in your life, including with the people you love. The Kingfisher Totem helps you remain focused and serene even when things feel disheveled.

Kingfisher Power Animal

When you need to adapt to new terrain and act with bold determination as you fly to new heights, commune with Kingfisher. If you could use some fortitude and perseverance, Kingfisher can also help you.

Call on Kingfisher when you feel the calling to develop your instinct and your psychic awareness, especially your clairvoyant abilities. Kingfisher can help you during times of transition and change as well.

Native American Kingfisher Symbolism

Among the Tribes of the Northwest Coast, Kingfisher represents abundance, prosperity, and love. The bird’s energies couple with their observed speed and agility in hunting, making it an emblem of prowess and proficiency. Some groups considered Kingfisher a symbol of fertility, too.

Kingfisher as a Greek Animal Symbol

Greeks weave various tales about the Kingfisher, saying they build a nest on rafts filled with fish bones floating on the Mediterranean Sea. So, the Gods made sure the winds were fair on the seven days before and after the Winter Solstice, giving them safety while they build. The name Halcyon Days is a reference to a calm weather pattern in and around Greece during the Winter Solstice. “Halcyon” originates with a Greek Goddess who, with her partner, angered Zeus and Hera, which didn’t end well. But the mighty pair found compassion in their heart, turning the couple into Kingfishers, in the color of Zeus’ flashing blue lightning.

Kingfisher Dreams

Dreams of a Kingfisher means you have finally stepped into a rightful place of authority. Here your wisdom has a place for sharing effectively. Moving into leadership isn’t without responsibilities, of which you are deeply aware.

If the Kingfisher in your dream looms over your head, it’s a sign. Someone or something likewise hovers menacingly over you, making you feel undeserving, often through lies and gossip. You must believe you are worthy of respect and love and remain wholly in control of your current role in life.

Should the Kingfisher move across the skyline from left to right in your dream, your message will reach the intended party, and its meaning heard.

When the Kingfisher flies along the water’s edge, an exciting adventure is heading your way. The dream image often signals finally being free from some long-term danger.

A dream where old and young Kingfishers gather together acts as a message to pay attention to your family. They need you.

Kingfisher Symbolic Meanings Key

• Adaptation
• Beginnings
• Boldness
• Clairvoyance
• Communication
• Elements: Air, Water
• Judgment
• Peace
• Work-Home Balance