Kingfishers are small to medium-sized birds with relatively large, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails and, in most cases, colourful and iridescent feathers. They are found on all continents except Antarctica, but are commoner in the tropics. Although some are exclusively aquatic, many live away from water. They nest in tunnels excavated in banks. The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is the only member of the family commonly found in Britain and Ireland, though the Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) of North America occurs as a rare vagrant.