The spectacular image was captured by photographer Charlie Hamilton James and is one of a series in the November issue of the National Geographic magazine .
Kingfishers can dive at up to 25mph and are capable of catching fish two feet below the surface of the water.
They are so fast that often the only glimpse of them is a blue flash as they strike.
Each individual bird protects an area that will offer it steady fishing to feed it and a good nest site.
"These tiny little birds have got to hold down a whole mile of river," said Mr Hamilton James.
Both males and females are quite solitary and very defensive of their territory.
"They're very loud, and they tell everyone they're coming," said Mr Hamilton James. "I suppose they are quite arrogant."
The photographer has been dedicated to recording kingfishers since first spotting one 20 years ago near his home in Bristol.
"Everyone in England who has ever seen one will remember where they saw it," he said. "I saw my first one when I was a boy. I've been completely obsessed ever since."
Kingfishers are found mainly in central and southern England and are found by still or flowing water where they feed on fish and aquatic insects. There are estimated to be between 4,800 and 8,000 breeding pairs.
