Unlike other birds such as eagles and pelicans, which also dive, kingfishers can rapidly plunge into the water at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
According to researcher Shannon Hackett, the unique ability has evolved evolutionarily in these graceful birds to protect the brain from damage.
Kingfishers are divided into three families, possessing brightly colored plumage and relatively small feet. They prefer a varied diet, and not all species feed on fish. В
2017 study found that fish-eating kingfishers are not closely related to other brethren, supporting the theory: the fish diet and diving came from a common ancestor.
The study involved comparing DNA from 30 different kingfisher species to identify genes responsible for diet and the ability to dive without brain damage. Tissue samples collected during field studies were used.
