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White-throated kingfisher

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“Heavenly bodies are nests of invisible birds.”
― Dejan Stojanovic

The White-throated kingfisher also known as the white- breasted kingfisher or Smyrna kingfisher is a tree kingfisher widely distributed in Asia from the Sinai east through the Indian subcontinent to China and Indonesia. This kingfisher is a resident over much of its range, although some populations may make short distance movements. It can be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, crabs, small rodents and even birds. During the breeding season they call loudly in the mornings from prominent perches including the tops of buildings in the urban areas or on wires. White- throated kingfishers average life span is  five years and six months.

White-throated kingfishers have thick, reddish-orange bills, red legs and dark chocolate-coloured heads, bellies and shoulders. A brilliant white patch can be found on the throat and sometimes the breast. The wings and tail are bright blue with white patches on the primaries and black distal tips. The sexes appear similar. White-throated kingfishers are the only south Asian kingfisher that is distinctly darker below than it is above.

White- throated kingfishers are very vocal birds, their vocalizations being characterized as “ aloud defiant rattling laugh”. They have several calls which include a sharp repetition of high pitched KRICH KRICH tones of 2-4 kHz at a rate of 2-4 notes per second.

White-throated kingfishers eat domestic and agricultural pests, including both mammalian and insect pests. Like many other generalist these birds help control the populations of small vertebrates and invertebrates that might otherwise do costly damage to human works and food supplies.      

 

References

White-throated kingfisher - Wikipedia

Halcyon smyrnensis (white-throated kingfisher)

Encyclopedia

Photo Credits: Sirojan
Written By: Thushitha

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