Woodland Kingfisher
NameWoodland Kingfisher
Common NameWoodland Kingfisher
Scientific NameHalcyon senegalensis
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsThe head and underparts are pale grey, with a darker grey crown. The back, rump, and tail are brilliant turquoise-blue. The wings are black with a prominent blue patch on the coverts. It has a black stripe through the eye.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, trilling call, often described as a 'ki-ti-ti-trrrrrr' or 'trrrrrr-tii-tii-tii', which is frequently given in flight or from a prominent perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and south to Angola and South Africa. It is a partial migrant, with some populations moving seasonally.
Identifying Featuresbright blue back and tail, grey head and underparts, red and black bill, black eye stripe, black wings with blue patch
Description
A medium-sized kingfisher with a striking appearance, featuring a grey head, bright blue back and tail, and a distinctive red and black bill. It is often found in woodlands and savannas, where it perches conspicuously while hunting insects and small vertebrates.
