White-throated Kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis
The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is a common kingfisher found in 34 countries, weighing about 91 g. The white-throated kingfisher also known as the white-breasted kingfisher is a tree kingfisher, widely distributed in Asia from the Sinai east through the Indian subcontinent to China and Indonesia.
About the White-throated Kingfisher
The white-throated kingfisher also known as the white-breasted 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 often be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, amphibians, 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 urban areas or on wires.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This is a large kingfisher, 27–28 cm (10.6–11.0 in) in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wings and tail. Its head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly are chestnut, and the throat and breast are white. The large bill and legs are bright red. The flight of the white-throated kingfisher is rapid and direct, the short rounded wings whirring. In flight, large white patches are visible on the blue and black wings. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult. This species forms a superspecies with Halcyon cyanoventris and most major works recognize four geographic races.
What the White-throated Kingfisher sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Greece, Syria, Afghanistan.
When to see it
The White-throated Kingfisher can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-throated Kingfisher?
- This is a large kingfisher, 27–28 cm (10.6–11.0 in) in length. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-throated Kingfisher?
- The White-throated Kingfisher is a medium sized bird weighing about 91 g.
- Where can you see a White-throated Kingfisher?
- The White-throated Kingfisher occurs in 34 countries, including India, Israel, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
- What does a White-throated Kingfisher sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the White-throated Kingfisher on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a White-throated Kingfisher?
- The White-throated Kingfisher is most easily confused with the Brown-hooded Kingfisher, the Woodland Kingfisher and the Striped Kingfisher.
- Is the White-throated Kingfisher endangered?
- The White-throated Kingfisher is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-throated Kingfisher for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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