Blyth's Kingfisher

Hercules Kingfisher ( Alcedo hercules )

The Hercules Kingfisher ( Alcedo hercules ) is an Asian kingfisher.

Features

The 22 cm long Hercules Kingfisher is the largest representative of the genus Alcedo. It resembles the European Kingfisher ( Alcedo atthis). Due to the size difference, these two types can be easily distinguished. The Hercules Kingfisher is characterized by an ultramarine - blue head, dark blue upper wing and a white throat. Chest, abdomen and wing undersides have a reddish tint. As with our domestic Kingfisher males have a completely black bill, the females have a red lower mandible.

Occurrence

The Hercules Kingfisher comes along rivers usually higher altitudes rain forests ( 625 to 1000m ) in South East Asia. Its distribution extends from Sikkim in the Himalayas to the island of Hainan in Southeast China.

Behavior and food

The Hercules Kingfisher is a highseat and feeds on small fish and insects.