Birdsong field guide
Crested Kingfisher
Megaceryle lugubris
The Crested Kingfisher is a large, striking riparian bird characterized by its prominent shaggy crest and monochromatic, barred plumage.
What it sounds like
A loud, sharp 'ket' or 'kwick' and a rapid, mechanical rattling call.
Field notes
- It is the largest kingfisher in Asia, reaching lengths of approximately 41 to 43 centimeters.
- Possesses a distinctively barred black-and-white pattern, lacking the blue or green iridescence typical of many other kingfishers.
- Excavates nesting tunnels into vertical riverbanks that can reach depths of up to 2-3 meters.
- Primarily hunts by diving from a fixed perch into fast-flowing water to catch fish and crustaceans.
- Often perches on boulders in mid-stream, bobbing its head and flicking its tail while scanning for prey.
Habitat
Fast-flowing mountain streams and large rivers in forested foothills.
Range
Southern and Eastern Asia, from the Himalayas through China to Japan and Southeast Asia.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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