Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Halcyon smyrnensis
Family: Kingfishers · Status: Very common resident · Size: 27.5–29.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Resident across Egypt, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and Southeast Asia.
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.
Parks, gardens, secondary growth and wooded areas near open grass patches, water-bodies, canals, rivers and mangroves.
Ambush predator that hunts from a perch, has a varied diet that includes fish, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and mammals.