Woodland Kingfisher
|
|
| Woodland Kingfisher | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Halcyon senegalensis (Linnaeus, 1766) |
The Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) is a tree kingfisher which is widely distributed in tropical Africa south of the Sahara. This kingfisher is essentially resident within 8° of the equator, but northern and southern populations are migratory, moving into the equatorial zone in the dry season.
This is a medium-sized kingfisher, 23 cm in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wing panel and tail. Its head, neck and underparts are white, and its shoulders are black. The flight of the Woodland Kingfisher is rapid and direct. The large bill has a red upper mandible and black lower mandible. The legs are bright red.
Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller than adults. The call of this noisy kingfisher is a loud trill.
Woodland Kingfisher is a common species of a variety of wooded habitats with some trees, including around human habitation. It perches quietly in semi-shade whilst seeking food, but is aggressively territorial, attacking intruders including humans. This species mainly hunts large insects, arthropods, snakes, fish and frogs.
Woodland Kingfisher has a striking display in which the wings are spread to show the white linings. The nest is a tree hole excavated by a woodpecker or barbet. A single clutch of three round white eggs is typical
Reference
- Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers by Fry, Fry and Harris, ISBN 0-7136-8028-8