Woodland Kingfisher

The Woodland Kingfisher, Halcyon senegalensis, presents a striking figure with its vivid blue plumage. This medium-sized kingfisher measures approximately 23 cm in length, with adults showcasing a bright blue back, wing panel, and tail. Its head, neck, and underparts are a pristine white, contrasted by black shoulders. The flight is characterized by rapid and direct movements. A notable feature is the large bill, with a red upper mandible and a black lower mandible, while the legs and feet are a dark grey hue.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Woodland Kingfisher, look for the dark lores that create a distinct stripe through the eye, a feature that distinguishes it from the similar Mangrove Kingfisher, whose stripe does not extend through the eye. The underwing, primaries, and secondaries are black with white underwing coverts, and the inner webs of the base of the flight feathers are white, forming an indistinct white wingbar. The breast is white, and the sexes appear similar, though juveniles are less vibrant and possess a brown bill.

Habitat

The Woodland Kingfisher is found in a variety of wooded habitats with some trees, particularly Acacias. It is often seen around human habitation and prefers drier environments within traditional woodlands, sometimes at a considerable distance from water bodies.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across tropical Africa, south of the Sahara, and from Pretoria northwards. It is mostly resident near the equator, but populations in the north and south migrate towards the equatorial region during the dry season.

Behaviour

The Woodland Kingfisher is known for its aggressive territorial nature, even confronting humans if they intrude. It displays a remarkable wing-spreading behavior to showcase the white linings as a warning to potential threats.

Song & Calls

The call of the Woodland Kingfisher is a distinctive and loud trill, reminiscent of a nail being dragged down the teeth of a comb.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in tree holes previously excavated by woodpeckers or barbets. Typically, a clutch consists of three round white eggs. Both parents are involved in caring for the young, which remain dependent for up to five weeks post-fledging. In the Transvaal region, breeding peaks between December and January.

Similar Species

The Woodland Kingfisher's distribution nearly always overlaps with that of the Brown-hooded Kingfisher, H. albiventris. Although similar in appearance to the Mangrove Kingfisher, the two species are largely allopatric, inhabit different environments, and have differing diets.

Diet and Feeding

This kingfisher hunts from an exposed perch, often on a dead tree branch, or from a more concealed position in semi-shade.

Conservation status

The Woodland Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.