Brown-winged Kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera)
The Brown-winged Kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera) is a medium-sized bird belonging to the family Alcedinidae. It is found in a wide range of habitats across Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia. The Brown-winged Kingfisher inhabits coastal regions, mangroves, and inland water bodies, such as rivers and lakes.
Physical Characteristics:
The Brown-winged Kingfisher measures around 28-32 centimeters (11-13 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 48-55 centimeters (19-22 inches). It has a distinctive blue-green coloration on its head, back, and wings, with a white throat and breast and a rufous belly. The bird’s bill is long and pointed, and the legs and feet are red. The female is slightly smaller than the male, but both share similar coloration and markings.
Diet:
The Brown-winged Kingfisher primarily feeds on fish, crabs, and other aquatic animals, such as mollusks and amphibians. It may also consume small mammals and birds. The bird hunts by perching on a branch or a rock near water bodies, scanning for prey, and diving down to capture its target using its sharp bill.
Reproduction and Lifecycle:
The breeding season for the Brown-winged Kingfisher typically occurs between March and June, depending on the location. These birds are monogamous and form long-lasting pair bonds. They build a large, stick nest in a tree, usually near water sources.
The female lays 3 to 5 white eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 20-22 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed and cared for by both parents until they fledge, or leave the nest, at about 28-30 days old. The young birds become fully independent within a few weeks of fledging.
Conservation Status:
The Brown-winged Kingfisher is currently listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as hunting and trapping in some areas. The species is vulnerable to the destruction of mangrove forests and wetlands, which are critical habitats for the bird. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and restoration, as well as education and outreach to local communities about the importance of protecting the Brown-winged Kingfisher and its habitat.