Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Ceryle rudis
Family: Kingfishers · Status: Vagrant · Size: 25–30.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Resident to Africa, the Middle East, southern China and northern Southeast Asia; vagrant to Singapore.
Only kingfisher in range with black and white plumage. Black crown and crest, upperparts and wings black with white edgings, white wing patch on wing coverts. Male has two black breastbands; female has one.
Edges and banks of large, open water bodies, including lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, dams, and mangroves.
Catches fish by hovering almost motionless above water before diving to capture prey.