Most beautiful small birds - Sykalo Eugen 2024
Banded Kingfisher (Lacedo pulchella)
Species name: Banded Kingfisher, Beautiful Kingfisher
Scientific name: Lacedo pulchella
Family: Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
Order: Coraciiformes (Rollers)
Subclass: Neornithes (Modern birds)
Class: Aves (Birds)
- Description:
Size: 20 cm (7.9 in) long, with a large puffy head and a sturdy red bill.
Plumage color:
- Males: Strikingly dimorphic. Bright blue crown, black and blue banded back, chestnut forehead, cheeks, and nape, light orange breast, and black and blue banded wings and tail.
- Females: Striped like a tiger, with orange and black patterning across the entire body.
Shape and size of beak: Long, powerful, and dagger-like, black in color.
Legs: Short and brown.
Tail: Short and square-tipped.
- Behavior:
Method of feeding: Perches quietly on branches or rocks near forest streams, then dives headfirst to catch fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey.
Movement: Resident, although some populations may disperse locally.
Communication: High-pitched whistle followed by a series of mellow whistles.
- Ecology:
Habitat: Lowland and hill forests near streams and rivers.
Diet: Primarily fish, but also takes frogs, insects, lizards, and crustaceans.
Distribution: Southeast Asia, from eastern India and Myanmar to Indonesia.
- Ceyx cyanopectus:
- Identification:
Species name: Indigo-banded Kingfisher
Scientific name: Ceyx cyanopectus
Family: Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
Order: Coraciiformes (Rollers)
Subclass: Neornithes (Modern birds)
Class: Aves (Birds)
- Description:
Size: 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 in) long, with a bright turquoise wingband.
Plumage color:
- Both sexes: Deep indigo-blue above, pale turquoise band down the back, and speckling on the wing and head. Pale cheek and throat patches, bright orange chest and belly.
Shape and size of beak: Black bill (all black in southern birds, red lower bill in northern birds).
Legs: Reddish-brown.
Tail: Short and blue-green.
- Behavior:
Method of feeding: Perches on branches or rocks near water, puis plonges tête première pour attraper des poissons, des insectes aquatiques et des petits crustacés.
Movement: Resident.
Communication: High-pitched, tinkling trill.
- Ecology:
Habitat: Lowland and hill forests near streams and rivers.
Diet: Primarily fish, but also takes insects, frogs, and crustaceans.
Distribution: Southeast Asia, from Bangladesh and Myanmar to Indonesia.
The Banded Kingfisher, with its turquoise plumage, fiery beak, and raucous laughter, is a crown jewel of the tropical forests. But beneath its stunning beauty lies a scientific gem packed with fascinating facts and electrifying quirks. Dive into the world of this feathered wonder and prepare to be amazed:
Flash of Turquoise Fury: Forget slow and steady; the Banded Kingfisher is a speed demon of the avian world. It can plunge into water from over 60 feet with lightning-fast dives, piercing the surface with its sharp, dagger-like beak to snag unsuspecting fish. Talk about a feathered torpedo!
Laughter in the Jungle: The Banded Kingfisher's call isn't just a chirp; it's a full-blown, echoing laugh. This loud, raucous cackle serves multiple purposes. It's a territorial declaration, a way to attract mates, and even a warning cry to rivals. Imagine a bird with a built-in laugh track!
Tunnel Vision Architects: Unlike some kingfishers that nest in cavities, the Banded Kingfisher takes the DIY approach. They dig their own tunnels into steep riverbanks, carving out cozy chambers up to 6 feet deep. This underground haven offers protection from predators and scorching sun, showcasing their engineering prowess. Talk about tunnel-vision with a tropical twist!
Feathered Fashion Faux Pas: Don't be fooled by the vibrant turquoise males; female Banded Kingfishers are masters of camouflage. Their olive-green plumage helps them blend seamlessly into the foliage while incubating eggs and caring for chicks. It's like wearing a leafy invisibility cloak!
Fishy Feasts (with a Twist): While most kingfishers focus on aquatic prey, the Banded Kingfisher enjoys a diverse menu. They'll happily munch on insects, lizards, frogs, and even small snakes, showcasing their opportunistic hunting skills and adaptable diet. Think of them as the jungle buffets of the bird world!
Unexpected Socialites: These territorial birds might surprise you with their social side. During non-breeding periods, they sometimes form loose colonies, perching together on branches, preening each other's feathers, and even sharing food sources. It's like a tropical feathered frat party!
Family Feud (with Feathers): While Banded Kingfishers typically raise their young in peace, things can get messy when resources are scarce. Siblings engage in feathered food fights, pushing and shoving each other to get the best bites from their parents. Talk about avian sibling rivalry!
Electrifying Communication: Recent research suggests the Banded Kingfisher might have a unique way of communicating. Some scientists believe they generate weak electric fields with their feathers, potentially used for territorial defense or mate selection. Imagine birds sending out feathered Morse code!