From Opus

Revision as of 13:36, 21 August 2008

Alternative names: White-breasted Kingfisher or Smyrna Kingfisher

Halcyon smyrnensis

Photo by nothinghill
Location: Thailand

Identification

28 cm. Bright blue back, wings and tail, chestnut head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly, white throat and breast, bright red bill and legs, in flight large white patches are visible on the blue and black wings. Sexes are similar; juveniles are a duller version of the adult.

Distribution

South Asia from Turkey east to the Philippines.

Taxonomy

Habitat

Habitats with some trees.

Behaviour

The diet includes large insects, rodents, snakes, fish and frogs. It is reputed to eat tired migratory passerine birds like Chiffchaffs where the opportunity arises.

The nest is a 50cm tunnel in an earth bank. 4-7 round white eggs are laid.

External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages