Stork-billed Kingfisher

Stork-billed Kingfisher

Taxobox
name = Stork-billed Kingfisher


image_width = 200px
image_caption = Stork-billed Kingfisher from South India
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Coraciiformes
familia = Halcyonidae
genus = "Pelargopsis"
species = "P. capensis"
binomial = "Pelargopsis capensis"
binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1766)
synonyms = "Halcyon capensis"

The Stork-billed Kingfisher, "Pelargopsis capensis" (formerly "Halcyon capensis"), is a tree kingfisher which is widely but sparsely distributed in tropical south Asia from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia. This kingfisher is essentially resident throughout its range.

This is a very large kingfisher, 35 cm in length. The adult has a green back, blue wings and tail, and grey head. Its underparts and neck are buff. The very large bill and legs are bright red. The flight of the Stork-billed Kingfisher is laboured and flapping, but direct. Sexes are similar. There are 15 races, mostly differing in plumage detail, but "P. c. gigantea" of the Sulu Islands has a white head, neck and underparts. The call of this noisy kingfisher is a low and far reaching "peer-por-por" repeated every 5 seconds or so as well cackling "ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke".

Stork-billed Kingfisher is a species of a variety of well-wooded habitats near lakes, rivers or coasts. It perches quietly whilst seeking food, and is often inconspicuous despite its size. It is territorial and will chase away eagles and other large predators. This species hunts fish, frogs, crabs, rodents and young birds.

Stork-billed Kingfisher digs its nest in a river bank, decaying tree, or a tree termite nest. A clutch of two to five round white eggs is typical.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
*

Gallery


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