Blyth's Kingfisher
NameBlyth's Kingfisher
Common NameBlyth's Kingfisher
Scientific NameAlcedo hercules
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)70
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark blue-black with fine white spotting on the head and wings, forming a speckled appearance. It has a prominent white patch on the sides of the neck and rich rufous (reddish-brown) underparts. The bill is long, stout, and dark.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a high-pitched, sharp 'tseet' or 'tchip' call, often given while in flight.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, ranging from Nepal eastward through Bhutan, northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, and Peninsular Malaysia.
Identifying Featureslarge size for a kingfisher, dark blue-black upperparts with white speckles, rich rufous underparts, prominent white neck patch, long, dark bill
Description
The Blyth's Kingfisher is a large, shy kingfisher known for its striking dark blue-black plumage and rufous underparts. It typically inhabits clear mountain streams within dense forests, where it perches patiently before diving to catch fish.
