Black-capped Kingfisher

The Black-capped Kingfisher, Halcyon pileata, presents a striking appearance with its black head and shoulders creating a stark contrast against its white neck collar and throat. The wings and back are adorned with a rich purple-blue, while the underparts boast a warm rufous hue. The bird's robust bill and legs are a vivid coral red, adding to its distinctive look. This species measures approximately 28 centimeters in length.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Black-capped Kingfisher, look for the large white patches, or "mirrors," at the base of the primaries, which are particularly visible in flight against the blue and black wings. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles can be distinguished by their duller coloration and streaked throats.

Habitat

This kingfisher favors coastal waters, thriving in mangrove forests and along estuaries and rivers. It can sometimes be found far inland, away from its typical habitats.

Distribution

The Black-capped Kingfisher has a broad range across tropical Asia, from India to China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. It is a resident species in much of its range, but northern populations are known to migrate south during winter to places like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, and Java.

Behaviour

This bird is often seen perched conspicuously near water bodies, from where it dives to catch fish or large insects. It is easily disturbed and takes flight rapidly with whirring wings.

Song & Calls

The vocalization of the Black-capped Kingfisher is a distinctive cackling "ki-ki-ki-ki-ki."

Breeding

The breeding season occurs in summer. Nests are tunnels excavated in earth banks, where the bird lays a clutch of 4-5 round, white eggs.

Similar Species

While there are no subspecies with clear plumage differences, the Black-capped Kingfisher is unique in its coloration and can be readily distinguished from other kingfishers.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists primarily of fish and large insects, which the kingfisher skillfully captures with dives from its perches.

Conservation status

The Black-capped Kingfisher is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.