Kingfisher in Ancient Egypt

Abstract EN

Millions of fall emigrating birds exhausted from their long flight over the barren landscape of the Levant and the Sinai, or from their journey over the Mediterranean sea, yearly join native species in the wetlands of the Nile Delta, this is because of the location of Egypt.

One of these emigrating birds are Kingfisher's family which is Known in Ancient Egypt, especially two of this bird, the first one Kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis) which is a common winter visitor to the lakes, streams and seashores from the old kingdom till now, plunges headlong into water from perch on branch or stone in its pursuit of fish.

The second one is a pied-kingfisher (Ceryle Rudis) which is common resident breeding bird found on the Nile, lakes and lagoons, often hovers above water before plunging for fish, nests in holes dug into river banks.

Kingfisher is one of the birds which were known in Ancient Egypt in the fowling and fishing scenes in the nobility tombs.

The research aims to Study the scenes of the kingfisher in the fowling and fishing; Highlight the nature, activities and life of the bird; and Study the role of this bird in Ancient Egypt.