Crested Kingfisher
Megaceryle lugubris
The Crested Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris) is a rare kingfisher found in 13 countries, weighing about 271 g. The crested kingfisher is a very large kingfisher that is native to parts of southern Asia.
About the Crested Kingfisher
The crested kingfisher is a very large kingfisher that is native to parts of southern Asia. It is part of the kingfisher genus Megaceryle with three other species: the giant kingfisher, the ringed kingfisher, and the belted kingfisher with which it forms a species complex.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The crested kingfisher is a very large, stocky black and white bird, usually between 38 and 43 cm (15 and 17 in) tall, and weighs between 230 and 280 g (8 and 10 oz). It has a large, pointed black bill with a yellowish-white tip and a large, shaggy black and white barred crest. It has finely barred black and white upperparts with flanks barred grey and white, while its belly is white with a black-speckled breastband. It has a white collar that starts at the bottom of the bill and goes to the back of the neck. The tail feathers are black with 6 to 8 white bars. Voice: Crested kingfisher vocalization includes a loud "ket ket" in flight, as well as loud "ping" and deep croaks between paired birds. Loud rattling calls can also be heard coming from these birds when they are perched.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Vietnam.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December, with peak activity in February. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Crested Kingfisher?
- The crested kingfisher is a very large, stocky black and white bird, usually between 38 and 43 cm (15 and 17 in) tall, and weighs between 230 and 280 g (8 and 10 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Crested Kingfisher?
- The Crested Kingfisher is a medium sized bird weighing about 271 g.
- Where can you see a Crested Kingfisher?
- The Crested Kingfisher occurs in 13 countries, including India, China, Bhutan, Japan and Nepal.
- What birds look similar to a Crested Kingfisher?
- The Crested Kingfisher is most easily confused with the Giant Kingfisher, the Ringed Kingfisher and the Belted Kingfisher.
- Is the Crested Kingfisher endangered?
- The Crested Kingfisher is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Crested Kingfisher for real
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