Stork-billed Kingfisher

1. Bird Name
Commonly known as Stork-billed Kingfisher, this bird’s scientific name is Pelargopsis capensis.

2. Appearance
Stork-billed Kingfishers are one of the most vibrant and distinguished birds, having a combination of beautiful bright blue and a rich chocolate-brown color all over their body. The upper part of the body, including the wings and tail, is a lovely turquoise-blue, while the underparts and head are a deep cinnamon or chestnut-brown. Their stout reddish-orange beaks, similar in shape to a stork’s, give the bird its name. This large bill, combined with a white or yellow white throat and broad white collar, add more contrast to its flashing appearance. Eyes are dark brown. There are no significant differences in appearance between males and females.

3. Size
An adult Stork-billed Kingfisher is approximately 35 cm (13.7 inches) in length. The wingspan isn’t known exactly but aligns closely with the bird’s length. The bird weighs between 140 to 190 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Stork-billed Kingfishers inhabit a broad geographical range spreading across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and some parts of China. They typically prefer to live near a wide variety of water habitats, including coastal estuaries, rivers, lakes, and mangroves.

5. Interesting Facts
Stork-billed Kingfishers are known for their loud, laughing call, which adds to their lively character. They usually pair for life and display fascinating courtship rituals, including aerial flights and feeding sessions. Despite their vibrant colors, they’re known for their great skills in camouflaging among tree leaves.

6. Diet
These birds are ‘generalist’ feeders – they feed on a variety of vertebrates and invertebrates. Their diet includes fish, crabs, insects, rodents, snakes, and even small birds. The robust stork-like beak is a great tool for hunting down their diverse prey.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Stork-billed Kingfishers are solitary birds, often found alone or in pairs. They are non-migratory and usually stay in the same area. The bird’s loud and distinct call sounds much like human laughter and can be heard over long distances. They’re great divers, using their beaks to catch prey with a swift plunge from a neighboring tree.

8. Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Stork-billed Kingfisher is currently listed as ‘Least Concern’, meaning it is not currently considered endangered or vulnerable.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, these birds can live from 15 to 20 years. The lifespan in captivity varies but can extend beyond the average lifespan in the wild with proper care.

10. Additional Notes
In Thailand, these birds are known as ‘Nok Khi Hoi’ meaning shellfish eating bird due to their diet. Stork-billed Kingfisher’s feeding habits help control populations of invertebrates and small vertebrates, contributing to the balance of ecosystems in which they live.