Showing posts with label Alcedinidae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alcedinidae. Show all posts

List of common indian kingfishers - Images

   ›      ›   List of common indian kingfishers and Images

The Indian kingfishers are classified in the family Alcedinidae under the order Coraciiformes.

The common kingfisher species under the family Alcedinidae are grouped under the genera, Alcedo, Ceyx, Pelargopsis, Halcyon, Todirhamphus and Ceryle.

Twelve species under these genera are found in the Indian subcontinent. They are medium-sized birds. They have common characteristics like large heads, long bills with pointed tips, short legs and stubby tails.

Alphabetical list of common Indian kingfishers

  • Black-capped kingfisher (Halcyon pileata)
  • Blue-eared kingfisher (Alcedo meninting)
  • Blyth's kingfisher (Alcedo hercules)
  • Brown-winged kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera)
  • Collared kingfisher (Todirhamphus chloris)
  • Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
  • Crested kingfisher (Ceryle lugubris)
  • Oriental dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca)
  • Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
  • Ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda)
  • Stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)
  • White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)


Images of common Indian kingfishers with brief account
Black-capped kingfisher (Halcyon pileata)
1.Black-capped kingfisher (Halcyon pileata)
1.The species Halcyon pileata is distributed in the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), southeast Asia, China and eastern Asia. The IUCN lists it as of Least Concern(LC). This species in monotypic.
Image by Soumyajit Nandy | License CC BY-SA 4.0.
More detailed information > > >

Alcedo meninting
2.Blue-eared kingfisher (Alcedo meninting)
2.The species Alcedo meninting is distributed in the Indian subcontinent (India Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka), southern China and southeast Asia. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC). There are six recognized subspecies.
Image by L. Shyamal | License: CC BY-SA 2.5.
More detailed information > > >

Blyth's kingfisher (Alcedo hercules)
3.Blyth's kingfisher (Alcedo hercules)
3.The species Alcedo hercules are distributed in north-eastern Indian subcontinent, southern and southeastern China, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. The IUCN lists them as "Near Threatened" (NT). It is monotypic species.
Image by Keulemans and Bowdler Sharpe| License: Public domain
More detailed information > > >

Pelargopsis amauroptera
4.Brown-winged kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera)
4.The species Pelargopsis amauroptera is distributed in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Thailand. This is monotypic species. The IUCN lists them as "Near Threatened" (NT).
by Jayanth Sharma| License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
More detailed information > > >

Todirhamphus chloris
5.Collared kingfisher (Todirhamphus chloris)
The species Todirhamphus chloris is distributed in the Indian subcontient, Red Sea region, Persian Gulf area, southeast Asia, several Pacific islands and Australia.There are fifty recognized subspecies. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC).
Picture by JJ Harrison | License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
More detailed information > > >

Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
6.Common Indian kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
6.The species Alcedo atthis is distributed in the Indian subcontinent, North Africa, Europe, Middle East, Central and East Asia and Southeast Asia. There are seven recognized subspecies. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC).
Photo by Lukasz Lukasik | License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
More detailed information > > >

Ceryle lugubris
Crested kingfisher (Ceryle lugubris)
7.The kingfisher species Ceryle lugubris is distributed in the Indian subcontinent (Himalayas), southeast Asia, south and east China, North Korea, South Korea and Japan. There are four recognized subspecies. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC).
by Mprasannak | License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
More detailed information > > >


Ceyx erithaca
8.Oriental dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca)
8.The Indian kingfisher species Ceyx erithaca is distributed in Indian subcontinent, southeast China and southeast Asia. They are four recognized subspecies. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC).
Image by Pkhun | License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
More detailed information > > >

Ceryle rudis
9.Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
9.The pied kingfisher species Ceryle rudis is distributed in China, Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, China, Africa and Middle East. There are four recognized subspecies. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC).
by Davidvraju | License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
More detailed information > > >

Halcyon coromanda
10.Ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda)
10.The Indian kingfisher species Halcyon coromanda is distributed in northeast Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, southern China, North Korea, South Korea and Japan. They are ten recognized subspecies. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC).
Image by Jason Thompson | License: CC BY 2.0.
More detailed information > > >

Pelargopsis capensis
11.Stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)
11.The species Pelargopsis capensis is distributed in China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. There are fifteen recognized subspecies. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC).
by Dibyendu Ash | License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
More detailed information > > >

Halcyon smyrnensis
12.White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
12.The species Halcyon smyrnensis is distributed in Indian subcontinent, south China, southeast Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Tajikistan, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and Egypt. They are five recognized subspecies. The IUCN lists them as of "Least Concern" (LC).
Image by Manjith Kainickara | License: CC BY-SA 2.0.
More detailed information > > >

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1.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black-capped_Kingfisher_with_feather_in_mouth_at_Sundarban.jpg (cropped)
Author: Soumyajit Nandy | License CC BY-SA 4.0. as on 12/6/18
2.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alcedo_meninting_3.jpg (cropped)
Author: Shyamal | License: CC BY-SA 2.5 as on 12/6/18
3.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AlcedoGrandis.jpg (cropped)
Author: Keulemans and Bowdler Sharpe| License: Public domain as on 12/6/18
4.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brown_winged_KF.jpg (cropped)
Author: Jayanth Sharma| License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 12/6/18
5.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Todiramphus_chloris_-_Laem_Phak_Bia_highlight_reduction.jpg (cropped)
Author: JJ Harrison | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 12/6/18
6.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alcedo_atthis_2_(Lukasz_Lukasik).jpg (cropped)
Author: Lukasz Lukasik | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 12/6/18
7.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/ (cropped)
Author: Mprasannak | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 as on 12/6/18
8.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceyx_erithaca.JPG (cropped)
Author: Pkhun | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 12/6/18
9.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceryle_rudis_by_Davidraju_(cropped).jpg (cropped)
Author: Davidvraju | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 as on 12/6/18
10.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/
Author: Jason Thompson | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 12/6/18
11.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/
Author: Dibyendu Ash | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 12/6/18
12.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/manjithkaini/4553191333/
Image author: Manjith Kainickara | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 12/6/18 as on 12/6/18


Recently updated and current topic in Bird World: List of common Indian kingfishers and images.

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Ruddy kingfisher images


   ›      ›   Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda images
Taxonomic classification   < >   Images

The Ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) belongs to the family of kingfishers, the Alcedinidae under the order Coraciiformes.

Ruddy kingfisher taxonomy

The family Alcedinidae is first introduced by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz (October 22, 1783 – September 18, 1840), a zoologist and botanist, in the year 1815.

The family Alcedinidae comprises three subfamilies, viz., Alcedininae, Halcyoninae and Cerylinae. The subfamily Halcyoninae was described by Nicholas Aylward Vigors (1785 – 26 October 1840), an Irish zoologist, in the year 1825.

The subfamily Halcyoninae comprises twelve genera, including genus Halcyon. The genus Halcyon (tree kingfishers) was first described by William John Swainson FLS, FRS (8 October 1789 – 6 December 1855), an English ornithologist, malacologist, conchologist and entomologist, in the year 1821.

The genus Halcyon comprises eleven species, including Halcyon coromanda. The species Halcyon coromanda was first described by John Latham (27 June 1740 – 4 February 1837), an English physician and naturalist, in the year 1790.

Taxonomic classification
Binomial name:Halcyon coromanda
Species:H. coromanda
Genus:Halcyon
Subfamily:-
Family:Alcedinidae
Order:Coraciiformes
Class:Aves
Phylum:Chordata
Kingdom:Animalia
Halcyon coromanda
1.Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda
Image by Jason Thompson


Halcyon coromanda
2.Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda
Image by Jason Thompson

Halcyon coromanda
3.Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda
Image by Jason Thompson

Halcyon coromanda
4.Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda
Image by Dibyendu Ash

Halcyon coromanda
5.Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda
Image by Marco Verch

Halcyon coromanda
6.Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda
Image by Pokopong

Halcyon coromanda
7.Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda
Image by 孫鋒 林

Halcyon coromanda
8.Halcyon coromanda
Image by 孫鋒 林

Halcyon coromanda
9.Halcyon coromanda
Image by 孫鋒 林
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1.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/79492850@N00/8677500347/ (cropped)
Author: Jason Thompson | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 9/16/18
2.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/79492850@N00/8678609396 (cropped)
Author: Jason Thompson | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 9/16/18
3.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/79492850@N00/7076145567/ (cropped)
Author: Jason Thompson | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 9/16/18
4.Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ruddy_Kingfisher_Sunderbans_National_Park_West_Bengal_India_23.08.2014.jpg (cropped)
Author: Dibyendu Ash | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 9/16/18
5.Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/30478819@N08/32749714094/in/photostream/ (cropped)
Author: Marco Verch | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 9/16/18
6.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Halcyon_coromanda.jpg (cropped)
Author: Pokopong | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 9/16/18
7.Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/outdoor_birding/21830014066/ (cropped)
Author: 孫鋒 林 | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 9/16/18
8.Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/outdoor_birding/21233394944/ (cropped)
Author: 孫鋒 林 | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 9/16/18
9.Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/outdoor_birding/21856161405/ (cropped)
Author: 孫鋒 林 | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 9/16/18
Current topic in Bird World: Ruddy kingfisher - Halcyon coromanda images.
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White-breasted kingfisher images

   ›      ›   White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis images
Taxonomic classification   < >   Images
The White-breasted kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) belongs to the family of kingfishers, the Alcedinidae under the order Coraciiformes.

White-breasted kingfisher taxonomy

The Alcedinidae is the family of kingfishers. The family Alcedinidae was first introduced by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz (October 22, 1783 – September 18, 1840), a zoologist, botanist, writer and polyglot, in the year 1815.

The family Alcedinidae comprise three subfamilies, viz., Cerylinae, Halcyoninae and Alcedininae. The subfamily Halcyoninae was described by Nicholas Aylward Vigors (1785 – 26 October 1840), an Irish zoologist, in the year 1825.

The subfamily Halcyoninae (tree kingfishers) comprises around 70 species divided into 12 genera, including Halcyon.

The genus Halcyon was first described by William John Swainson FLS, FRS (8 October 1789 – 6 December 1855), an English ornithologist, in the year 1821. The genus Halcyon comprise 11 species, including H. smyrnensis.

The kingfisher species Halcyon smyrnensis was first described by Carl Linnaeus, in the year 1758. This kingfisher is polytypic.

Taxonomic classification
Binomial name:Halcyon smyrnensis
Species:H. smyrnensis
Genus:Halcyon
Subfamily:-
Family:Alcedinidae
Order:Coraciiformes
Class:Aves
Phylum:Chordata
Kingdom:Animalia
White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
1.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by Tareq Uddin Ahmed


White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
2.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by Manjith Kainickara

Halcyon smyrnensis
3.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by Sivavkm

Halcyon smyrnensis
4.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by Noel Reynolds

Halcyon smyrnensis
5.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by Avik Chakraborty

Halcyon smyrnensis
6.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by JJ Harrison

Halcyon smyrnensis
7.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by Dibyendu Ash

Halcyon smyrnensis
8.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by Rahulsharma photography

Halcyon smyrnensis
9.White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Image by Amrou-shaheen
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1.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/90769516@N06/26350306594/ (cropped)
Author: Tareq Uddin Ahmed | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 9/4/18
2.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/manjithkaini/4553191333/in/photostream/ (cropped)
Author: Manjith Kainickara | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 9/4/18
3.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_breasted_Kingfisher_IMG_8705.JPG (cropped)
Author: Sivavkm | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 9/4/18
4.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29237715@N05/7187401812/in/photostream/ (cropped)
Author: Noel Reynolds | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 9/4/18
5.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/ (cropped)
Author: Avik Chakraborty | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 as on 9/4/18
6.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Halcyon_smyrnensis_1_-_Laem_Pak_Bia.jpg (cropped)
Author: JJ Harrison | License: CC BY 3.0 as on 9/4/18
7.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/ (cropped)
Author: Dibyendu Ash | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 9/4/18
8.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/ (cropped)
Author: Rahulsharma photography | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 as on 9/4/18
9.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org (cropped)
Author: Amrou-shaheen | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 as on 9/4/18
Current topic in Bird World: White-breasted kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis images.
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Pied kingfisher photos

   ›      ›   Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) photos
Taxonomic classification   <>   Photos
The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) belonging to the family Alcedinidae under the order Coraciiformes.

Cooperative breeding in Pied kingfisher

The species Ceryle rudis are quite gregarious and they congregate at communal roosting sites at night. Quite often cooperative (communal) breeding is observed in these species of birds.

The non-breeding siblings from earlier brood have been found to help the parents in raising the hatchlings; sometimes even unrelated older birds have been found to help.

The adult male and female ratio of these species is skewed and there is surplus of males probably due to a higher mortality rate among the breeding females. The incubating and brooding activity at night is done exclusively by the female.

Consequently, the females are more exposed to dangers like caving in of nesting tunnels, flooding and nest predation. Many of the surplus males take up the role of primary/secondary helpers, assisting the breeding pair in protecting the nesting site as well as bringing food for the nestlings.
Taxonomic classification
Binomial name:Ceryle rudis
Species:C. rudis
Genus:Ceryle
Subfamily:Cerylinae
Family:Alcedinidae
Order:Coraciiformes
Class:Aves
Phylum:Chordata
Kingdom:Animalia
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Photos
Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
1.Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
Photo by Hans Hillewaert

Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
2.Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
Photo by Hein waschefort

Ceryle rudis
3.Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
Photo by Harvey Barrison

Ceryle rudis
4.Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
Photo by Leo za1

Ceryle rudis
5.Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
Photo by Leo za1

Ceryle rudis
6.Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis Photo by Ji-Elle

Ceryle rudis
7.Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis Photo by Charlesjsharp

Ceryle rudis
8.Ceryle rudis Photo by Artemy Voikhansky

Ceryle rudis
9.Ceryle rudis Photo by stuart Burns

Ceryle rudis
10.Ceryle rudis by Charlesjsharp

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1.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceryle_rudis_(male).jpg (cropped)
Author: Hans Hillewaert | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
2.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pied_kingfisher_killing_fish.jpg (cropped)
Author: Hein waschefort | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
3.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceryle_rudis_-Kruger_National_Park,_South_Africa-8_(2).jpg (cropped)
Author: Harvey Barrison | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 5/26/17
4.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Austin_Roberts_Bird_Sanctuary-048.jpg (cropped)
Author: Leo za1 | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
5.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Austin_Roberts_Bird_Sanctuary-018.jpg (cropped)
Author: Leo za1 | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
6.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lac_Ha%C3%AFk-Ethiopie-Martin-p%C3%AAcheur_pie_(3).jpg (cropped)
Author: Ji-Elle | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
7.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pied_kingfisher_(Ceryle_rudis_rudis)_female.jpg (cropped)
Author: Charlesjsharp | License: CC BY-SA 4.0
8.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pied_kingfisher_in_flight.jpg (cropped)
Author: Artemy Voikhansky | License: CC BY-SA 4.0
9.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Birds_1010159_(31516478876).jpg (cropped)
Author: stuart Burns | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 5/27/17
10.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pied_kingfisher_(Ceryle_rudis_rudis)_male.jpg (cropped)
Author: Charlesjsharp | License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Current topic in Birds of India: Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) photos.
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Pied kingfisher

   ›      ›   Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis

The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a water kingfisher belonging to the family, Alcedinidae.

The pied kingfisher species are widely distributed across Indian subcontinent, Africa and Asia. These kingfisher species are the only member of the genus Ceryle. There are four recognized subspecies of these kingfishers.

Overview & Quick Facts Description & Identification
Pictures of Pied Kingfisher Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification Bird World

Appearance, physical description and identification

The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a medium-sized kingfisher, measuring 25 to 26 cm in length and weighing 70 to 110 grams.

These pied kingfishers have distinctive black and white plumage. The crown and the crest are black. The upperparts are barred in black. The male birds have a black double band across the breast whereas the females have a single band broken at the middle of the breast.

In these kingfishers, the lower breast and the rest of the underparts are white. There is a white stripe (supercilium) running from the base of the beak above the eye, finishing towards the rear of the crest. The tip of the black banded tail is white.

The kingfisher bill is black. The irises are black. The feet are black. Their call is a loud “kwik-kwik” or a sharp "chirruk-chirruk" sound.
Indian birds - Picture of Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
Birds of India - Image of Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis by Hans Hillewaert


Birds of India - Photo of Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
Indian birds - Picture of Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis by Hein waschefort

Indian birds - Image of Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis
Birds of India - Photo of Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis by Harvey Barrison

Origin, geographical range and distribution

These pied kingfisher species are widely distributed in Africa and Asia. They are distributed in Indian subcontinent, Africa, Middle East, southern China and northern part of southeast Asia.

The pied kingfisher subspecies C. r. leucomelanurus are distributed in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The kingfisher subspecies C. r. travancoreensis is distributed in southwest India.

In China, the pied kingfisher subspecies C. r. insignis are distributed in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi, Hainan, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Fujian, Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

In the Middle East, the pied kingfisher subspecies C. r. rudis are distributed in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan.

In Africa, the pied kingfisher subspecies C. r. rudis is distributed in Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, DR Congo, Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland.

The Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) of these kingfisher species in Turkey are Southern Euphrates Valley, Birecik Plains, Dicle Valley, Karkamış, Cizre and Silopi.

Ecosystem and habitat

These pied kingfisher species have low forest dependency. These species occur in altitudes from 0 to 2500 meters.

The artificial ecosystems of these pied kingfisher species include, water logged excavations, flooded, irrigated lands, irrigational canals, dams, reservoirs, water storage ponds and lakes.

The natural ecosystems of these pied kingfisher species include tropical and subtropical mangrove vegetation, wetlands, flooded grasslands, freshwater lakes, marshes, marine lagoons, rocky, sandy and gravel shoreline, macroalgae covered seas, estuaries, rivers, streams and creeks.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of these pied kingfisher species is mostly fish. Crustaceans, fish, amphibians and aquatic insects are their primary food. These birds hunt from perches near water. Diving into the water, they catch the prey with bill.

These pied kingfishers also hover over the water before diving for the prey. Smaller prey is swallowed on the wing. Larger prey is brought to the perch and bashed repeatedly till it is immobile and then swallowed whole.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these pied kingfisher species is from February to April in northern India. The breeding season is during August and September in Middle East. The laying season is from March to June in Jammu and Kashmir (India) and northern Pakistan.

These pied kingfisher species are monogamous. There is initial courtship before mating. There may be colonial breeding. The family group may function as primary helpers or secondary helpers.

The pied kingfisher nesting sites are located in vertical mud banks and sometimes in flat grassy ground. The nesting tunnel of about 1.25 meters long is excavated by the breeding pair. The tunnel ends in the unlined incubating chamber. The typical kingfisher clutch contains four to five oval white eggs.

Migration and movement patterns

The pied kingfisher species are non-migratory resident birds.

Post breeding, the juvenile kingfishers may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding within their range.

Pied kingfisher - Overview

  • Scientific name: Ceryle rudis
  • Species author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
  • Synonyms/Protonym: Alcedo rudis Linnaeus, 1758
  • Family: Alcedinidae › Coraciiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Vernacular names: English: Pied kingfisher, Chinese: 斑鱼狗, French: Martin-pêcheur pie, German: Graufischer, Spanish: Martín pescador pío, Russian: Малый зимородок, Japanese: ヒメヤマセミ, Tamil: Karuppu Vellai Meenkothi
  • Other names: Lesser Pied Kingfisher
  • Distribution: Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, southern China, Africa, Middle East
  • Diet and feeding habits: fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects
  • IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)
The four recognized subspecies of pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) are: Ceryle rudis rudis (Linnaeus, 1758), Ceryle rudis leucomelanurus Reichenbach, 1851, Ceryle rudis travancoreensis Whistler, 1935 and Ceryle rudis insignis E. J. O. Hartert, 1910.

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of these kingfisher species is not known. Throughout its range it is reported to be common and widespread. The generation length is 4.4 years. Its distribution size is about 69,300,000 sq.km.

The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable, either under the range size criterion, or under the population trend criterion, or under the population size criterion. The ongoing habitat destruction and use of poisons to kill fish are the main threats that may endanger the survival of these kingfisher species.

IUCN and CITES status

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the kingfisher species and has listed it as of "Least Concern". The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for the pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis).
Taxonomy and scientific classification of Ceryle rudis
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Coraciiformes
Family:Alcedinidae
Subfamily:Cerylinae
Genus:Ceryle
Species:C. rudis
Binomial name:Ceryle rudis
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern
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1.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceryle_rudis_(male).jpg (cropped)
Image author: Hans Hillewaert | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
2.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pied_kingfisher_killing_fish.jpg (cropped)
Image author: Hein waschefort | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
3.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ceryle_rudis_-Kruger_National_Park,_South_Africa-8_(2).jpg (cropped)
Image author: Harvey Barrison | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 5/26/17
Current topic in Birds of India: Pied kingfisher - Ceryle rudis.
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