Kingfishers of India

 India is a treasure trove for kingfisher enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable diversity of these dazzling birds. Of the approximately 90 kingfisher species worldwide, India is home to at least 12 distinct types, showcasing a stunning array of colours, sizes, and hunting behaviours.

White-throated Kingfisher and Common Kingfisher

Kingfishers in India can be broadly categorised into three subfamilies based on their primary habitat and diet:

River Kingfishers (Alcedinidae): These are typically smaller to medium-sized and are strongly associated with freshwater bodies, primarily feeding on fish.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis): Perhaps the most iconic, this small, brilliant blue-and-orange bird is a flash of colour as it darts low over ponds, rivers, and lakes, known for its rapid flight and spectacular dives for fish.

Common Kingfisher

Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting): Similar to the Common Kingfisher but with richer blue hues and distinctive blue ear coverts, often found in dense forest streams.

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca): Also known as the Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher or Three-toed Kingfisher, this tiny, rainbow-hued species is a real visual delight, though shy and found in dense vegetation near streams.

Blyth's Kingfisher (Alcedo hercules): A rare and elusive species, similar to the Common Kingfisher but larger and darker, found in the evergreen forests of Northeast India.

Tree Kingfishers (Halcyonidae): These are generally larger and often found further away from water, with a more varied diet that includes insects, reptiles, and small mammals, though many still consume fish.

White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis): One of the most common and widespread, recognized by its prominent white throat and breast, brown head, and bright blue upperparts. It's highly adaptable, found in diverse habitats including urban areas and agricultural fields, often seen perched on wires.

White-throated Kingfisher

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis): A truly large and majestic species, with a massive, bright red, stork-like bill. It has an olive-brown head, buff underparts, and blue-green upperparts. Found near well-wooded lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

Stork-billed Kingfisher

Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata): A beautiful kingfisher with a black cap, white collar, and vibrant blue upperparts, often found in coastal mangroves and estuaries.

Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda): Distinctive for its overall rusty-red plumage, often found in mangroves and forested areas near water, primarily in the northeastern regions and Andaman Islands.

Brown-winged Kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera): Found mainly in coastal areas and mangroves, particularly in the Sundarbans, with an orange head, brown wings, and a blue rump.

Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris): A coastal species identified by its greenish-blue crown and a white collar, found in mangroves and tidal creeks.

Water Kingfishers (Cerylidae): These are specialists, often larger and characterised by their black and white or grey and white plumage, typically found near larger rivers and lakes. They are excellent at hovering.

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis): A medium-sized, black-and-white kingfisher, famous for its ability to hover motionless over water before diving for fish. It's a common sight over clear water bodies.

Pied Kingfisher

Crested Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris): The largest kingfisher in India, with bold black and white striations and a prominent crest. Primarily found in northern India along large mountain rivers.

The presence of kingfishers in an area often indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as many species are sensitive to water pollution and habitat degradation. Their diverse forms and behaviours make them a constant source of fascination for birdwatchers across the country.