Malaysian Birds

 Common Kingfisher

Size & diagnostic markings:- 17 Cm The Common Kingfisher averages out to 17 cm long and could be the largest small Kingfisher among this group. The upper part is in strong tinge of turquoise sort of blue with a rufous ear coverts. The under part is rufous.

 Distribution :-  The bird breeds in north Africa and can be found Indian Sub-continent, Southern Tibet through China, Taiwan and Korea. Then down from Japan to the Polynesian island in the south.

Habitats & preferences:- The bird is found in waterways, mainly streams in forested areas. So this is a lowland bird.

This bird is 17 cm large and according to Robson, the female has the lower mandible in reddish orange, which means all those in the pictures here are female. Otherwise the bill should be mostly blackish. Quite doubtful!

A lot has being written about the choice of names here "Common" - meaning this is a very common Kingfisher in one place or many places. This bird is very rare in Peninsula Malaysia. The distribution of this bird is over the Asian sub-continent to the islands in the Sunda. I noted from photographs posted on the internet, the bird was sighted in many parts of the world. In Malaysia, the bird is a passage migrant in the northern winter months, during that time, this bird is commonly seen. Avoiding deep forest, the choice of feeding ground are small streams and waterways near urban areas . Good months are October/November & then January/February.

 In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:- Since the bird very close to my house in urban Kiara park which is forested. The most common place to see the bird is within the canals in rice fields.

With Will would Wander