Grey-headed Kingfisher

Overview

The grey-headed kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) is a species of bird in the kingfisher family, Alcedinidae, characterised by its dry-country habitat preference. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Plumage: Pale grey head, black mantle and back, bright blue rump, wings and tail, and chestnut underparts.
• Bill: Long, red, and sharp.
• Size: Approximately 21 cm (8.3 in) in length.
• Song: A succession of notes that ascend, descend, and ascend again, becoming increasingly strident.

Habitat

Found across large parts of Africa and southern Arabia, from Mauritania through West Africa to South Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It inhabits woodland, scrub, and cultivated areas in tropical and semi-tropical regions, often near water, up to altitudes of about 2,200 m.

Diet

Feeds on insects and small lizards by perching on a branch, watching the ground, and then diving on prey. It is often found near water but, unlike most kingfishers, is not aquatic.

Did you know?

This species is parasitised by the greater honeyguide and is aggressively protective of its nest by repeatedly dive-bombing foraging monitor lizards.