Grey-headed Kingfisher

The Grey-headed Kingfisher, Halcyon leucocephala, presents a striking figure with its pale grey head, black mantle, and a vivid blue rump. Its wings and tail share this blue brilliance, while the chestnut underparts add a warm contrast. The beak, long and sharp, is a notable red. This bird averages 21 cm in length, a size that allows it to maneuver with agility in its preferred habitats.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Grey-headed Kingfisher, look for the combination of its grey head and chestnut belly, which distinguishes it from similar species. The subspecies H. l. pallidiventris has a darker grey head and paler chestnut underparts. The bird's bright blue rump, wings, and tail are also key identification features.

Habitat

This kingfisher favors woodlands, scrub, and cultivated areas, and can be found at altitudes up to 2,200 meters. It is often seen near water, though it does not rely on aquatic environments.

Distribution

The species is widely distributed across tropical and semi-tropical regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, from the Cape Verde Islands and Mauritania to Ethiopia, Somalia, southern Arabia, and southward to South Africa.

Behaviour

The Grey-headed Kingfisher is typically solitary or found in pairs. It is known for perching motionless on a branch for extended periods, keenly observing the ground for insects or small lizards before striking. It is protective of its nesting sites, often dive-bombing potential threats such as monitor lizards.

Song & Calls

The song of the Grey-headed Kingfisher is a series of notes that ascend, descend, and then ascend again, growing increasingly strident. Its warning call is a sharp "tchk, tchk, tchk, tchk."

Breeding

This kingfisher nests in holes within steep riverbanks and exhibits aggressive behavior in defending its nest.

Similar Species

The Grey-headed Kingfisher may be confused with the Brown-hooded Kingfisher due to its similar size and coloration, but the latter has a red and black bill. It also resembles the Woodland Kingfisher, which lacks the chestnut belly and has more extensive cyan feathers on the back.

Diet and Feeding

It primarily feeds on insects and small lizards, which it hunts by watching from a perch before diving down to capture its prey.

Conservation status

The Grey-headed Kingfisher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.