Breeding resident
There has probably been little change in the status of the Kingfisher in Pembrokeshire since the time of Mathew (1894), who described it as a common resident, and Lockley et al. (1949), who simply stated that it was resident. The Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988 found about 50 pairs along the streams and rivers and on the larger ponds (see map), but it is probable that some were missed in the east of the county; they used to breed on the river above Solva but have not been known to do so for the past seven years.
Kingfishers wander to the coast outside the breeding season, particularly to the estuaries, and are regularly seen at Newport and various parts of the Cleddau. They have occasionally reached the offshore islands of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm.
Freezing conditions can cause high winter mortality. Lockley et al. noted that many died in the winter of 1946/47, becoming very scarce afterwards, and the arctic winter of 1963 reduced the Welsh population by an estimated 85% (Smith 1969), with Pembrokeshire's numbers being cut down to just a few surviving pairs. A succession of mild winters and productive summers enabled them to increase again and subsequent cold spells have not had the same drastic effect.
Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads)
Red = breeding confirmed = 11
Orange = breeding probable = 5
Yellow = breeding possible = 31
Total tetrads in which registered = 47 (9.8%)