Alcedininae or river kingfishers, is a subfamily of kingfishers in the Alcedinidae. The Alcedinidae once included all kingfishers, before the widespread recognition of Halcyoninae (tree kingfishers) and Cerylinae (water kingfishers). The subfamily is widespread through Africa and east and south Asia as far as Australia, with one species, the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also appearing in Europe and northern Asia. The origin of the family is thought to have been in Asia.

These are brightly plumaged, compact birds with short tails, large heads, and long bills. They feed on insects or fish, and lay white eggs in a self-excavated burrow. Both adults incubate the eggs and feed the chicks.