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Six subspecies are recognized<sup>[[#References|[1]]]</sup>: ''smyrnensis'', ''fusca'', ''saturatior'', ''perpulchra'', ''fokiensis'', and ''gularis''. | Six subspecies are recognized<sup>[[#References|[1]]]</sup>: ''smyrnensis'', ''fusca'', ''saturatior'', ''perpulchra'', ''fokiensis'', and ''gularis''. | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:WTK.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by {{user|Chamith|Chamith}}<br />Location: [[Colombo]],[[Sri Lanka]], March, 2012]] |
Habitats with some trees, not always near water. | Habitats with some trees, not always near water. | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
Revision as of 01:25, 1 April 2012
Alternative names: White-breasted Kingfisher or Smyrna Kingfisher
- Halcyon smyrnensis
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
Egypt and Turkey east through Middle East and South Asia to the Philippines.
Taxonomy
Six subspecies are recognized[1]: smyrnensis, fusca, saturatior, perpulchra, fokiensis, and gularis.
Habitat
Habitats with some trees, not always near water.
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.
References
- Clements, James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
