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RiverineCavity nestMedium · 271 g
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Crested Kingfisher
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 9 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is February, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Crested Kingfisher
The map shades 11 countries with regular records, and 2 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in South Korea, Vietnam.
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.
Easily confused with
Giant KingfisherMegaceryle maximaThe giant kingfisher is 42–46 cm (16.5–18 in) long, with a large shaggy crest, a large black bill and fine white spots on black upperparts.
Ringed KingfisherMegaceryle torquataMegaceryle torquata is a Neotropical kingfisher that lives in habitats ranging between the US and Mexico.
Belted KingfisherMegaceryle alcyonThe belted kingfisher is a stocky, medium-sized bird that measures between 28–35 cm (11–14 in) in length with a wingspan of between 48–58 cm (19–23 in).
Side by side: Belted Kingfisher vs Crested Kingfisher · Crested Kingfisher vs Ringed Kingfisher · Crested Kingfisher vs Giant Kingfisher
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