Black-capped Kingfisher

Overview

The black-capped kingfisher (Halcyon pileata) is a tree kingfisher widely distributed in tropical Asia, ranging from India east to China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species is mostly resident in its core range, though northern populations migrate south to winter in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, and Java.

Identification

• Approximately 28 cm in length with purple-blue wings and back, a black head, white neck collar and throat, and rufous underparts.
• Features a large bright red bill and legs, with distinctive white patches visible at the base of the primaries during flight.
• Juveniles appear as a duller version of adults and possess streaks on the throat.
• Emits a cackling ki-ki-ki-ki-ki call.

Habitat

Found mainly near the coast in mangrove forests and along estuaries and rivers, though it can occasionally be seen far inland due to rainfall-related movements. Its range extends from India and Sri Lanka across Southeast Asia to China, Korea, and Japan, with winter vagrants recorded as far west as Pakistan.

Diet

This bird perches conspicuously and dives to catch fish, while also feeding on large insects.

Did you know?

Its striking blue feathers were highly valued in the millinery trade, particularly in China where they were used for fans, and in Hong Kong where they were cut and glued onto women's ornaments.