The banded kingfisher is a tree kingfisher found in lowland tropical forests of southeast Asia. It is the only member of the genus Lacedo. Male and female adults are very different in plumage. The male has a bright blue crown with black and blue banding on the back. The female has rufous and black banding on the head and upperparts.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Myanmar and Thailand through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and south through Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. Prefers primary and mature secondary lowland evergreen forest, but can persist in selectively logged forest with dense canopy. Often found along forest edges, old skid trails, and in bamboo or mixed dipterocarp stands. It is generally shy and keeps to shaded lower and mid-canopy layers. Not typically associated with open water, unlike many other kingfishers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, this kingfisher is not tied to water and hunts mostly insects within forest interiors. It is the sole member of the genus Lacedo and shows striking sexual dimorphism. Pairs often nest in soft, decayed wood or arboreal termite mounds. Its far-carrying, whistled song is a hallmark sound of Southeast Asian lowland forests.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense forest. Nests in natural cavities in decayed trunks or in arboreal termite mounds, with both sexes participating in excavation and care. Courtship involves calling duets and perch-to-perch displays with prey offerings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Male gives a clear, far-carrying series of descending whistled notes that accelerate slightly. Female responds with shorter, harsher whistles. Calls carry well through the forest and are often the first clue to its presence.
Plumage
Strongly barred upperparts; male with bright blue-and-black barring and cleaner white underparts, female with rufous-and-black barring and buffier underparts. Both sexes have a large, bright red bill and a contrasting pale throat. Tail and wings show bold banding; plumage appears glossy in good light.
Diet
Takes large insects such as grasshoppers, cicadas, beetles, and mantises, supplemented by spiders and occasionally small lizards or frogs. Hunts by sit-and-wait from shaded perches, then drops or sallies to the ground or foliage to seize prey. Often beats prey against a branch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within the lower to mid-canopy and along shaded forest trails, edges, and light gaps. Not dependent on streams or open water, favoring intact understory and dense foliage for ambush.
