White-throated Kingfisher in Alleppey
The White-throated Kingfisher (Halycon smyrnensis) is a very wide-ranging species occurring from eastern Europe (e.g., Bulgaria) through Turkey, western, southern, and south-eastern Asia until the Philippines in the far east. I have seen these colourful birds quite commonly during my trips through India (e.g., perching on trees above the waterways of Alleppey, Kerala, or around the ruins of Hampi, Karnataka, in September 2011 as well as in the desert-city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in January 2014). Unlike other kingfishers, the birds also live far away from larger water bodies as they prey not only on fish, crabs, and amphibians, but also on reptiles, insects, small rodents, and even other birds.
White-throated Kingfisher in Jaisalmer
White-throated Kingfisher in Hampi
White-throated Kingfisher in Alleppey
White-throated Kingfisher in Alleppey
White-throated Kingfisher in Alleppey
White-throated Kingfisher in Alleppey
Matt Travels 
The kingfishers are such brightly coloured birds, aren’t they? We’re not familiar with this species, but it certainly doesn’t let the family down in terms of beautiful plumage.
Great photographs Matthias!
thank you!! The White-throated Kingfisher does not occur in Africa… but of course there are a lot of relatives over there…
I hope you have a good time and I am looking forward to see more of your safari-photos!!
We certainly do have a couple of cousins here in South Africa. The Brown-hooded (Halcyon albiventris) is probably the most common, but it is the “chip-cherrrrrrrr” call of the Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) that is synonymous with summer in the bushveld. We’re lucky to hear them call here in Pretoria from time to time, and then I’m instantly transported to the banks of the Shingwedzi River in Kruger Park (in my mind at least). *Sigh*..
Love his coloring!
yes – they are really pretty! 🙂