White-throated Kingfisher

Overview

The white-throated kingfisher, also known as the white-breasted kingfisher, is a large tree kingfisher widely distributed across Asia, ranging from the Sinai through the Indian subcontinent to China and Indonesia. It is a resident species in much of its range, although some populations may undertake short-distance movements, and is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Plumage: Bright blue back, wings and tail with chestnut head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly; white throat and breast.
• Size: Large kingfisher, 27–28 cm (10.6–11.0 in) in length.
• Bill and legs: Large bill and legs are bright red.
• Flight: Rapid and direct with short, rounded whirring wings; large white patches visible on the blue and black wings.

Habitat

The species is common in various habitats, primarily open country on the plains but also seen up to 7,500 ft in the Himalayas, provided there are trees, wires or other perches. It is found across a vast range from south Turkey and north-east Egypt eastwards to China and Indonesia, and its range is currently expanding.

Diet

Feeds on a wide range of prey including large crustaceans, insects, earthworms, rodents, lizards, snakes, fish and frogs, and has even been recorded preying on small birds such as Indian white-eyes and sparrows. It forages by perching conspicuously on exposed perches such as wires within its territory, and the young are fed mostly on invertebrates.

Did you know?

Nest tunnels have been recorded in a haystack, and these birds have been noted to be attracted to lights at night, particularly during the monsoon season, which suggests they are partly migratory.