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Stork-billed kingfisher facts for kids

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Stork-billed kingfisher
Stork-billed Kingfisher Baranagar Kolkata West Bengal India 21.04.2014.jpg
From Baranagar, India. The shape of its bill resembles that of a stork.
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Pelargopsis
Species:
capensis
Synonyms
  • Alcedo capensis Linnaeus, 1766
  • Halcyon capensis (Linnaeus, 1766)
PelargopsisBurmanica
A drawing of the Pelargopsis capensis burmanica subspecies by Keulemans.

The stork-billed kingfisher (its scientific name is Pelargopsis capensis) is a very large and colorful bird. It's a type of tree kingfisher, known for its huge, bright red bill that looks a bit like a stork's bill. These birds live in warm, tropical areas. You can find them across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, from India all the way to Indonesia. They stay in the same areas all year round.

Meet the Stork-Billed Kingfisher

Stork Billed Kingfisher
A Stork-billed Kingfisher in Ranthambore National Park, India.

This kingfisher is quite big, growing to about 35 centimeters (14 inches) long. Adult birds have a green back, bright blue wings and tail, and an olive-brown head. Their chest and neck are a light, creamy color. Both their very large bill and their legs are a striking bright red.

When a stork-billed kingfisher flies, it looks like it's working hard. Its flight is direct, with strong, flapping wings. Male and female kingfishers look very similar. There are 13 different types, or subspecies, of this bird. They mostly look alike, but some have small differences in their feathers. For example, one type found in the Philippines, called P. c. gigantea, has a white head, neck, and belly.

Where Do They Live and What Do They Eat?

Stork-billed kingfishers like to live in places with lots of trees. You can find them near lakes, rivers, or along the coast. They often sit quietly on a branch, looking for food. Even though they are big, they can be hard to spot!

These birds are very protective of their homes. They will even chase away large birds like eagles or other big predators. They are skilled hunters and eat a variety of food. Their diet includes fish, frogs, crabs, small rodents, and even young birds.

Nesting and Reproduction

When it's time to build a nest, adult stork-billed kingfishers are very busy. They dig their nests into river banks. Sometimes, they use holes in decaying trees or even in the nests of tree termites. A female kingfisher usually lays two to five round, white eggs.

What Does a Stork-Billed Kingfisher Sound Like?

These kingfishers can be quite noisy! Their call is a low sound that travels far. It sounds like "peer-por-por" and they repeat it about every five seconds. They also make a cackling sound, like "ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke".

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