|
|
|
Pied
Kingfisher |
Ceryle
rudis |
| Possible
regional races (polytypic)
|
|
-C.
r. travancoreensis |
|
-C. r. leucomelanurus |
|
| Ceryle rudis leucomelanurus |
) ) |
Please click for a larger popup |
|
The Pied Kingfisher is exceedingly common on all rivers and jhils, and is, of course, a permanent resident. It lives, I think, absolutely on small fish, which it in variably searches for on the wing and captures by a perpendicular plunge into the water. As a preliminary to diving, it usually hovers for a while over its intended victim as if to make sure of its aim, and rarely misses its object. It often remains under the water for a considerable time, where, perhaps, it continues the pursuit, as it seldom emerges without a fish, which it carries to the nearest perching place – generally a tree or some elevated portion of the banks-and devours, or if small swallows, on the wing. It breeds from February to April in holes in the banks of rivers and jhils. |
About/Terms of use etc. at the home page
Copyright © 2006 birdpoints. All rights reserved.