Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Kingfisher
Let us learn more about the mighty Fish-eating bird.
Common name- Kingfisher
Scientific name- Alcedinidae
Size- 10cm- 46cm
There are 116 species of Kingfisher birds found in the world.
Habitat and Distribution –
Kingfishers birds are widely distributed in Asia, Europe, Africa, etc.
They can be seen in the habitats like Forests, Grasslands, Wetlands or anywhere near a water body.
Appearance –
Kingfishers have long and conical fish-eating bills that can catch or pierce the prey to consume.
They have short legs with 4 toes which are arranged like 3 at the front and 1 toe at back. Mostly for perching or landing on a dry, hard surface like a branch or pole.
This is how the Kingfishers can be seen feeding, perching on a tree or any support over a water body to prey upon fishes, Crustaceans, amphibians, Molluscs, reptiles, centipedes, etc.
Kingfishers have good colour vision.
They can locate prey with the movements of their eyes.
They have a ‘Nictitating Membrane’ in their eyes. The nictitating membrane is a transparent layer that protects the eyes when diving in the water.
Breeding of Kingfisher–
Kingfishers are Territorial and Monogamous.
During the previous mating season chicks or broods helps the parents in building the nests. Nest is a hole in a Tree or River Bank or any hole like a pipe.
They also make hanging nests in a tree, which are called arboreal nests.
Kingfishers also excavate a hole in soft soil for nesting.
Females lay around 10 eggs and incubation is done by both Males and Females.
Kingfisher chicks fledge after 3-4 months.
Also See ⇒ Jacana Facts