©E C Stuart Baker: Blyth's Kingfisher (Alcedo hercules) with the blue plumage very understated in this image.
Distinguishing features
As the scientific name suggests, this is the largest species in its genus.
They have a very colourful plumage with the upperparts and tail are greenish blue. Purple can be seen on the rump and base of the tail. They have a distinctive blue line down the centre of the back.
The head is dull black, with curved feather tips of blue. There is a large white patch on the side of the neck. The chin and throat are a yellowish white. The breast is a rich red-brown edged with with areas of very dark blue.
It has short red legs
The sexes differ in beak colouration. The male has a black beak and the female has red at the base of the lower beak.
Size
- Up to 22 cm (Length of specimen)
Wingspan
- Wingspan data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
They are distributed in Bangladesh, India, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam. It is found along streams in evergreen forest and adjacent open country. (Wikipedia)
It generally occurs at low densities.
It lives in forests near streams and rivers.
Diet
It typically eats fish.
