Translation guide
The kingfisher is a bird known for its vivid plumage and diving fishing behavior. In Japanese, the most common word is カワセミ, but there are also other species-specific terms and poetic names.
kingfisher (common)
The typical small, brilliantly colored kingfisher found near rivers and ponds.
The standard word for the common kingfisher. Written in katakana or kanji (翡翠).
I saw a kingfisher at the river.
Kanji form of カワセミ, often used in literary or poetic contexts. The same kanji can also be read ひすい (jade).
The kingfisher dove into the water.
Referring to kingfishers as a group, including larger species.
The taxonomic family name, used in scientific or educational contexts.
Birds of the kingfisher family are distributed worldwide.
Specific larger kingfishers found in Japan, like the crested kingfisher.
Literary or traditional names for the kingfisher, often used in haiku or classical literature.
An alternative kanji form for kingfisher, also meaning jade. Rare and highly literary.
The kingfisher's feathers are beautiful.
Literally 'water kingfisher', a poetic term sometimes used in literature.
Unless you are referring to a specific larger species or writing in a highly literary style, カワセミ is the safest and most common word for kingfisher.
Ruddy kingfishers come flying in the summer.
A water kingfisher was perched by the pond.