Black-capped Kingfisher

There is a huge amount of water in the Pakthale area and our excellent lunch stop backed onto a small lake. It was still a surprise however to be able to see two kingfisher species in what was essentially a built-up and well populated area. This distant Black-capped Kingfisher was perched on a post and can be seen silhouetted in front of a huge apartment block.

Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata is widely distributed in tropical Asia from India east to China, Korea and South-east Asia. This most northerly of the Halcyonidae is resident over much of its range, but northern populations are migratory and winter south of their range to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo and Java. It is distinctive in having a black cap that contrasts with the whitish throat, purple blue wings and the coral red bill. The species is mainly found in coastal and mangrove habitats but can sometimes be found far inland. It is usually seen on coastal waters and especially in mangroves. It is easily disturbed, but perches conspicuously and dives to catch fish but also feeds on large insects. The flight of the Black-capped Kingfisher is rapid and direct, the short rounded wings whirring. Source: Wikipedia