White-throated Kingfisher

The white-throated kingfisher is a large tree kingfisher, 27–28cm long, with a bright blue back, wings and tail, a chestnut head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly, and a white throat and breast. The large bill and legs are bright red. It flies fast and direct on whirring, rounded wings, showing large white patches on the blue and black wings. The sexes are similar and juveniles are duller. Races vary in size and in the shade of blue on the back (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is often found well away from water, taking a wide range of prey including small reptiles, amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds. It is common in open country with trees, wires or other perches. In the breeding season it calls loudly in the mornings from prominent perches, including rooftops and wires in towns. It is resident over much of its range, though some populations make short movements. In India it is resident across a very large range; SoIB 2023 finds its trends uncertain and rates it a Low conservation priority (Wikipedia, general species account; SoIB 2023).