Brown-hooded Kingfisher
NameBrown-hooded Kingfisher
Common NameBrown-hooded Kingfisher
Scientific NameHalcyon albiventris
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark brown, streaked crown and nape, a greyish-white throat and breast, and a white belly. The back is blackish, contrasting with iridescent blue rump and secondary flight feathers. The bill is bright red.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive, trilling 'trrrrrr-tii-tii-tii' or a series of sharp 'kek-kek-kek' notes, often given from a prominent perch.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from eastern South Africa north through Angola, Zambia, and parts of East Africa.
Identifying FeaturesBrown, streaked head, Bright red bill, White underparts, Iridescent blue rump and wing patches, Blackish back
Description
The Brown-hooded Kingfisher is a medium-sized kingfisher characterized by its distinctive brown, streaked head and bright red bill. Unlike many kingfishers, it primarily hunts terrestrial prey from a perch, often far from water.
