White-throated Kingfisher

Halcyon smyrnensis

Malay name: Pekaka Dada Putih · Chinese name: 白胸翡翠

Family: Kingfishers · Status: Very common resident · Size: 27.5–29.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Resident across Egypt, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Rufous-chestnut on head extends to flanks, belly, and vent, contrasting with white throat and upper belly. Upperparts sky blue with dark wing-coverts and red bill, white wing patch at the base of the primaries conspicuous in flight. Juvenile has duller upperparts, darker bill, and scalloping on throat and breast. Chestnut (not black) crown and rufous-chestnut (not white) collar separate it from Black-capped Kingfisher.

Habitat

Parks, gardens, secondary growth and wooded areas near open grass patches, water-bodies, canals, rivers and mangroves.

Behaviour

Ambush predator that hunts from a perch, has a varied diet that includes fish, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and mammals.