Scientific Name: Pelargopsis capensis
Malay Name: Pekaka-Emas Biasa
Chinese Name: 鹳嘴翡翠
Range: Found from the Indian subcontinent, southwest China to Southeast Asia
Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: capensis, osmastoni, intermedia, burmanica, malaccensis, cyanopteryx, simalurensis, sodalis, innominata, javana, floresiana, gouldi, gigantea.
Local Subspecies: malaccensis
Size: 37.5-41 cm
Identification: Adult has huge red bill, dull brownish crown and headsides, greenish-blue mantle, wings and tail and mostly warm buff-orange nuchal collar and underparts.
Habitat: Waterbodies in or near forests, parks, gardens, open woodlands and mangroves.
Behaviour/Ecology: Catches medium size fishes by plunging into the water from perches around 2-4 meters above the water.
Local Status: Common resident
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Central Catchment Forest, Kranji Marsh, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Japanese Garden, Jurong Eco Garden, Hindhede Quarry, Pulau Ubin, Sungei Buloh any patch of suitable habitat.
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Stork-billed Kingfisher)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Pelargopsis capensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22683227A92979065.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.). Stork-billed Kingfisher. Retrieved on April 18, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/stork-billed-kingfisher.