Striped Kingfisher
NameStriped Kingfisher
Common NameStriped Kingfisher
Scientific NameHalcyon chelicuti
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)37.5
Plumage DetailsThe crown is white with fine black stripes, complemented by a broad black eye-stripe extending to the nape and a white collar. Upperparts are dull brown, often with a bluish wash on the rump and tail, while the underparts are white with brown streaking on the flanks. The bill is striking with a bright red upper mandible and a black lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a distinctive, high-pitched, trilling or whistling call, often rendered as 'pee-pee-pee-prrr' or 'ki-ti-ti-ti-trrr'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south through Angola, northern Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesStriped crown, Black eye-stripe, Red upper mandible with black lower mandible, Brown upperparts with blue rump/tail, Often found in dry woodlands away from water
Description
The Striped Kingfisher is a small to medium-sized kingfisher known for its distinctive striped crown and preference for drier, wooded habitats. Unlike many other kingfishers, it is not strongly associated with water, often perching conspicuously on branches to hunt for insects.
