From Cheryl Shearar's "Understanding Northwest Coast Art":
"The Kingfisher is a straight-billed, colourful, crested shorebird. People admire the bird’s fishing skills; it is patient, agile and quick. As a creature at home in various environments, the solitary and resourceful kingfisher is also useful as a spirit guide.
Kingfisher depictions often feature a strong straight beak that is less fine and shorter than that of a Crane or Oystercatcher, and a short, strong tail. Kingfisher is commonly depicted with his favourite meal-a fish-in its powerful beak or talons."
