Ruddy Kingfisher

Halcyon coromanda

Family: Kingfishers · Status: Uncommon migrant and rare visitor · Size: 26.5–27 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds across the Indian subcontinent, China, Korea, and Japan to Southeast Asia; northerly populations winter south.

Identification

Adult has bright rufescent plumage, violet-tinged upperside, bluish-white patch on lower back and rump, and bright red bill. Juvenile has browner upperparts, brilliant blue (less whitish) lower back and rump, pale underparts with narrow dark brown bars, and brownish orange bill. Race minor (resident) has a darker, more violet upperside and more extensive rump patch than migratory race coromanda.

Habitat

Forest, forest edge, wooded areas, and mangroves.

Behaviour

Feeds on fish, crustaceans, and large insects; takes frogs and other amphibians where running water is scarce.