Size & diagnostic markings:- 16 Cm. The bird is marginally smaller than the Common Kingfisher. Though having lots of similarity with the Common Kingfisher, the upper part is in deep blue without any turquoise. The ear covert is also blue. The under part in deep orange rufous. The bill is black, except that those of the female, she has a deep red lower mandible. In real life the colors of both birds are quite different, this one in deep blue and the Common turquoise.

Distribution :-  The Indian Sub-continent, South-west China, Sri Langka, The Andaman. Then Greater Sundas and the Philippines.

Habitats & preferences:- This is a lowland forest birds preferring small waterways and ponds within the forest.

Using the Common Kingfisher as a bench mark, the bird is approximately 17 Cm. The Blue-eared is slightly smaller at 16 cm. This time the color on the bill could be distinguished with those having reddish lower mandible as female. Then I am lucky to have pictures of Juvenile here as illustration.

Unlike the Common, this bird is wintering in Malaysia. We get to see them for a longer duration. Like other Kingfishers, its presence in the vicinity is prompted by its call in flight. Knowing its favorite haunt and waiting for its calls is one and only way of spotting the tiny bird. The bird returns to its regular hunting ground year after year.

My favorite place of meeting up with them is now  in Kemensah, though it had also making consistent appearances in Perdik and the area of the National Zoo. I need not travel far.

 In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:- There are special ponds that the birds prefers and returning to the same location each year.. Effort should be spent on locating such spots.

With Will would Wander