WHITE THROATED KINGFISHER

(The content is contributed to The Sundarban Times by Het Ambaliya)

WHITE THROATED KINGFISHER      

    The White-Throated Kingfisher (Halcyon Smyrnensis) also known as the white-breasted kingfisher, is a tree kingfisher, widely distributed in Asia from the Sinai east through the Indian subcontinent to the Philippines.

(Photo courtesy Het Ambaliya.)

(Location of photo: Sundarban society)

    It can often be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds. Hence, it can sometimes be spotted in our society as we are away from any water body.They are sometimes seen attracted to lights at night, especially during the monsoon season, suggesting that they are partly migratory. So, we can easily spot this bird during this time of the year.

This is a large kingfisher, 27–28 cm (10.6–11.0 in) in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wings and tail. Its head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly are chestnut, and the throat and breast are white. The large bill and legs are bright red. The two different genders of this kingfisher are similar.

You can hear the sound of this bird by clicking here.

(Photo courtesy Het Ambaliya)

(Location of photo: Sundarban society)