A kingfisher was released back into the wild on Thursday after it was successfully rehabilitated by Akrotiri Environmental and Education Centre (AEEC) staff and members of the game and fauna service.

The bird was found suffering from exhaustion during its migration efforts and was undergoing treatment at the game service facility in Nicosia before being returned to the AEEC.

Before its release, biometric measurements were taken, and a ring was attached to its leg so it could be monitored on its onwards journey.

AEEC manager Dr Thomas Hadjikyriakou explained that this is a common practice in Akrotiri, with smaller birds fitted with rings and larger birds with transmitters to monitor their movements and assess their success back in nature.

“We are extremely grateful to the local community, who provide information and bring injured and exhausted birds to the AEEC for treatment and subsequent release,” he added.

The kingfisher, one of the most beautiful and colourful birds in Cyprus, is small with a blue, greenish back and orange underparts.

It migrates through Cyprus during autumn, with a number staying locally throughout the winter period.

Regularly seen in coastal areas and wetlands, it catches its food –small fish – with its long bill, by diving in the water.