White-throated Kingfisher

During my last summer vacation in Konkan region of Maharashtra, one day I had gone for a morning walk on the Shiroda-Redi road. While crossing the bridge, my attention was caught by a bird on the electric wire relaxing or looking for prey in the river flowing under the bridge. The bird was appearing big due to its long and broad bill. It was the White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) also known as White-breasted Kingfisher.

The appearance of this Kingfisher was bright and attractive as there was morning bright sunlight in that area. The size of the bird was approx 25-27cms. The dark red colour of the bill, blue and black colour on the wings, chestnut coloured head makes this bird more attractive. The throat and chest were covered with plain white colour. Overall, the bird was beautiful and photogenic.

According to Wikipedia, this species are spread across Asia from Turkey east through the Indian subcontinent to the Philippines. They are mostly found near wetlands, rivers and farm land.Their primary diet depends on water species and secondary on insects and reptiles. This bird calls with a long chuckling sound chake-ake-ake-ake-ake. You can  easily identify this bird if such sound is coming from your near by area.

Here are some poses of this beautiful bird.

References:
1. Wikipedia – White-throated Kingfisher

Read more on Indian birds
1. Birds of India – Part 1
2. Birds of India – Part 2
3. Birds of India – Part 3
4. Indian Golden Oriole
5. Black-rumped Flameback Woodpecker
6. Common tailorbird
7. Green bee-eaters
8. Seagulls
9. Red-vented bulbul
10. Baya Weaver
11. Coppersmith Barbet the official Bird of Mumbai
12. Oriental Magpie Robin
13. Plum and Grey Headed Parakeets
14. Asian Koel
15. Banded Bay Cuckoo