Blyth's kingfisher is the largest kingfisher in the genus Alcedo. Named for Edward Blyth, the species has also been known as Alcedo grandis and as the great blue kingfisher. Between 22 and 23 cm long, the kingfisher has deep rufous underparts with a blackish blue breast patch, and brilliant cobalt blue or azure upperparts, tinged with purple. The wings are a dark blackish green, with blue speckles and tips to some of the feathers. The bill of the male is entirely black, while the female has a dark red lower mandible. The species is distinguished from the similar blue-eared kingfisher and common kingfisher by its greater size, heavy black bill, and dark lores.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of northeastern India and Bhutan through Myanmar to southern China (including Yunnan and Guangxi) and into northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It inhabits clear, shaded hill streams and small rivers in evergreen and mixed forests, often in steep ravines with overhanging vegetation. The species favors stretches with pools, boulders, and fallen branches for low perches above the water. It avoids large open rivers and heavily disturbed channels, requiring intact riparian cover for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
100–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Blyth's kingfisher is the largest member of the genus Alcedo and was named after the zoologist Edward Blyth. It keeps to shaded, forested streams and is notably shy, often detected only by its sharp, high-pitched call as it darts along creeks. Males have an entirely black bill, while females show a reddish lower mandible, a key field mark. The species is sensitive to disturbance and declines where streams are dammed, polluted, or stripped of riparian cover.
An image created between 1868 and 1871
Blyth's kingfisher feeding, painted in 1897
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short, rapid wingbeats in low, direct flights along streams
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs, maintaining linear territories along stretches of stream. Breeds in the wet season, excavating a burrow nest in vertical earth banks near water. Both sexes participate in digging and incubation, and young are fed with small fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched whistles and piping notes, often given in flight. The call carries well through ravines and dense foliage and is more commonly heard than any complex song.
