Coraciiformes / Alcedinidae / Halcyon
Black-capped Kingfisher
Halcyon pileata · 蓝翡翠
Introduction
A tree kingfisher widely distributed in tropical Asia from India east to China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. It is the most northerly of the tree kingfishers, resident over much of its range with northern populations migrating south for winter. Distinctive for its black cap contrasting with a whitish throat, purple-blue wings, and coral red bill. Mainly found in coastal and mangrove habitats but occasionally occurs far inland.
Description
Approximately 28 centimetres (11 in) long. Adults have purple-blue wings and back, a black head and shoulders, a white neck collar and throat, and rufous underparts. The large bill and legs are bright red. In flight, large white patches or 'mirrors' at the base of the primaries are visible on the blue and black wings. Sexes are similar. Juveniles are a duller version of the adult and show streaks on the throat.
Identification
Distinctive black cap contrasts with whitish throat, purple-blue wings, and coral red bill. Large white patches at the base of the primaries are visible in flight. Call is a cackling ki-ki-ki-ki-ki. Flight is rapid and direct with short rounded wings whirring.
Distribution & Habitat
Range extends from India (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Sri Lanka, Kansu, Shansi, Korea, Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Burma, Ryukyu Islands, Bangladesh, Hainan, Philippines (Palawan, Balabac, Basilan, Tawi Tawi), Borneo, Sumatra, east to Sulawesi (winter only). Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, and Java. Vagrants recorded in Pakistan in winter. Mainly found near coasts in mangrove forests, estuaries, and rivers, but rainfall-related movements can lead to inland occurrences.
Behavior & Ecology
Usually seen on coastal waters and especially in mangroves; easily disturbed. Perches conspicuously and dives to catch fish; also feeds on large insects. Breeding season is in summer. The nest is a tunnel in an earth bank. A single clutch typically consists of 4-5 round, white eggs.
Culture
Much sought after for blue feathers used in the millinery trade. Feathers were used in making fans in China. In Hong Kong, feathers were cut and glued over ornaments used by women.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Genus
- Halcyon
Distribution
Manchuria, Korea, and China to southern India, Malaya, and Sulu Archipelago
Data Sources
CBR Notes: IUCN红色名录等级由LC升为VU
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
