White-throated Kingfisher

White-throated Kingfisher can be recognized by its large, red bill, rust-colored head, shoulders, and underparts, turquoise-blue back, wings, and tail, and by its characteristic white throat and upper chest. The wings have white patches which are visible when it flies.

White-throated Kingfishers are adaptable predators and will dive into the water to capture aquatic prey like fish, crabs, and amphibians or will plunge into the grass and undergrowth to capture terrestrial prey like large insects and invertebrates, small reptiles, rodents, and baby birds. The Elephant Nature Park has a river running through it that is lined with grassy fields, so this lucky White-throated Kingfisher has a diverse hunting territory.

This is a large kingfisher, 28 cm in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wings and tail. Its head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly are chestnut, and the throat and breast are white. The large bill and legs are bright red. The flight of the White-throated Kingfisher is rapid and direct, the short rounded wings whirring. In flight, large white patches are visible on the blue and black wings. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult.