The black-capped kingfisher is a tree kingfisher which is widely distributed in tropical Asia from India east to China, Korea and Southeast Asia. This most northerly of the tree kingfishers is resident over much of its range, but northern populations are migratory, wintering south of their range in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo and Java. It is distinctive in having a black cap that contrasts with the whitish throat, purple-blue wings and the coral red bill. The species is mainly found in coastal and mangrove habitats but can sometimes be found far inland.
Region
South, Southeast, and East Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Indian subcontinent through Myanmar and Thailand to southern China, Taiwan, and the Korean Peninsula, reaching Borneo and Java in winter. It favors coastal zones, mangroves, estuaries, tidal creeks, and adjacent farmland or scrub. The species also ranges inland along rivers, reservoirs, fishponds, and paddy fields, using scattered trees or wires as hunting perches. It avoids dense interior forest but uses forest edges and open woodlands near water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking kingfisher often hunts from exposed perches in mangroves, coastal groves, and open country, dropping to the ground or water to seize prey. Despite the name, it is not strictly a fish-eater and readily takes crabs, insects, and small vertebrates. Its loud, rattling calls carry far, especially at dawn and dusk. Northern breeders move south in winter, while many tropical populations remain year-round.
Adult along the Zuari River
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, using prominent perches to scan for prey. During breeding, pairs defend territories and both sexes likely participate in excavating a nest burrow and in parental care. Nests are usually in self-dug tunnels in earthen banks or suitable soil.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal with loud, rattling cackles and harsh kek-kek-kek series. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and when agitated or displaying.
Plumage
Glossy purple-blue upperparts with deep blue wings and tail; clean white throat and collar contrasting with a black cap and nape; rich rufous to chestnut underparts.
Diet
Takes crabs and other crustaceans in mangroves, large insects such as beetles and grasshoppers, as well as frogs, lizards, small fish, and occasionally small rodents. Hunts by sit-and-wait from exposed perches, dropping to the ground, mudflats, or shallow water to seize prey. Will also sally to snatch prey from foliage or the surface.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along mangrove edges, tidal creeks, open shores, fishponds, paddy fields, and riverbanks. Also uses agricultural edges and open woodland near water, often perching on wires, stumps, or low branches.
