Pied Kingfisher

Pied kingfishers occur across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, mainland Asia, and southern China. They inhabit rivers, lakes, streams, canals, estuaries, bays, irrigation channels, and reedy inlets from sea level to approximately 2,500 metres. Adults are 25–29 centimetres long and weigh 70–100 grams. Their compact bodies, large heads, long dagger-like bills, and strongly contrasting black-and-white plumage are distinctive. Males have two dark breast bands, whereas females generally possess one (Animal Diversity Web).

Fish dominate the diet, supplemented by aquatic insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and molluscs. Birds capture prey by plunging from a perch, hovering before diving, or occasionally skimming offshore, and they can swallow fish while flying. Courtship includes group displays and food offerings from males. Pairs dig nesting burrows in soft banks, sometimes within large colonies. A typical clutch contains five eggs incubated for about 18 days. Additional non-breeding males may help the parents incubate and feed the nestlings (Animal Diversity Web).