Scientific Name: Alcedo atthis
Malay Name: Rajaudang Cicit
Chinese Name: 普通翠鸟
Range: Has a widespread breeding range stretching from north Africa, Eurasia, Indian subcontinent, China, Korea, Japan to mainland Southeast Asia with some northerly populations wintering south to Africa, Middle East and Southeast Asia
Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: ispida, atthis, bengalensis, taprobana, floresiana, hispidoides, salomonensis.
Size: 16-18 cm
Identification: Male has pale rufous underparts with a white-tinged throat, rufous ear-coverts, turquoise blue upperparts and mostly black bill. Female resembles male but base or most of lower mandible orange-reddish. Juvenile has duller underparts with dusky wash across breast.
Similar looking species: Blue-eared Kingfisher
Habitat: Various inland and coastal wetlands.
Behaviour/Ecology: Diet consists mostly of fish but occasionally hunts for lizard, frog and insects.
Local Status: Common migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Satay by the Bay, Kranji Marsh, Sungei Buloh, Chinese Garden, Lorong Halus, Pasir Ris Park, Pulau Ubin and any patch of suitable habitat.
Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Common Kingfisher)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Alcedo atthis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22683027A89575948.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Common Kingfisher. Retrieved on December 4, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/common-kingfisher.