Black-capped Kingfisher vs Ruddy Kingfisher

Black-capped Kingfisher

Halcyon pileata

Medium84 gRiverine

This kingfisher is about 28 centimetres (11 in) long. The adult has purple-blue wings and back, black head and shoulders, white neck collar and throat, and rufous underparts. The large bill and legs are bright red. In flight, large white patches or "mirrors" at the base of the primaries are visible on the blue and black wings. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult and show streaks on the throat. The call of this kingfisher is a cackling ki-ki-ki-ki-ki. Usually seen on coastal waters and especially in mangroves, it is easily disturbed.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Lakshmi Sharath · CC BY 2.0

Ruddy Kingfisher

Halcyon coromanda

Medium78 gForest

Reaching approximately 25 cm, the ruddy kingfisher has a very large, bright red bill and equally red legs. The body is rust red, generally deepening to purple at the tail. There is little sexual dimorphism though some sources report male birds being somewhat brighter in plumage. Due to its preference for heavily forested areas, the kingfisher's high, descending call is more often heard than the bird itself is seen, and these birds generally travel singly or in pairs.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Jason Thompson · CC BY 2.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black-capped Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher.