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.
カワセミ
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).
川でカワセミを見た。
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).
翡翠が水面に飛び込んだ。
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.
カワセミ科の鳥は世界中に分布している。
Birds of the kingfisher family are distributed worldwide.
Specific larger kingfishers found in Japan, like the crested kingfisher.
The crested kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris), a larger species found in mountain streams.
ヤマセミはカワセミより大きい。
The crested kingfisher is larger than the common kingfisher.
The ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda), a migratory species with reddish plumage.
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.
翡翆の羽は美しい。
The kingfisher's feathers are beautiful.
Literally 'water kingfisher', a poetic term sometimes used in literature.
水翡翠が池のほとりに止まっていた。
A water kingfisher was perched by the pond.
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.