Black-Capped Kingfisher

Halcyon pileata

Order:

Coraciiformes

Family:

Alcedinidae

Size:

25 to 29 centimeters (10 to 11 inches)

Weight:

45 to 60 grams (1.6 to 2.1 ounces)

Taxonomy:

Carl Linnaeus in 1766

Short Description:

Black-Capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata), known locally as the "Kala Sir Shah Turah" in Pakistan, is a medium-sized bird characterized by its striking black cap and vivid blue wings. Its underparts are white, and it has a sturdy, dagger-like bill. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females having a rufous-brown belly band. Overall, it is a visually striking bird often found near water bodies throughout Pakistan.

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Black-Capped Kingfisher is distributed across various regions of Pakistan, including the plains, foothills, and lower mountainous areas. It can be found in habitats such as rivers, streams, ponds, marshes, and agricultural areas with water bodies. While it is more commonly encountered in the northern and northwestern parts of the country, it is also found in other regions, including Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

Black-Capped Kingfishers are primarily solitary birds and are often seen perched on branches or wires near water bodies, patiently scanning for prey. Their diet consists mainly of fish, insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small vertebrates. They employ a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, diving swiftly from their perches to catch prey with their sharp bills. During the breeding season, which typically occurs from March to August, Black-Capped Kingfishers engage in courtship displays, including aerial acrobatics and vocalizations. They nest in burrows dug into earthen banks near water bodies, where they lay a clutch of eggs.