The brown-winged kingfisher is a species of bird in the subfamily Halcyoninae.
Region
Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea mangroves
Typical Environment
Found along coastal mangrove systems from eastern India and Bangladesh through coastal Myanmar to southwest Thailand. It favors tidal creeks, estuaries, and backwaters within mature mangrove stands. Birds often remain close to shaded perches overlooking water and seldom range far inland, though they may follow large rivers near the coast. Habitat quality is strongly linked to undisturbed mangroves and natural tidal flow.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large, mangrove-specialist kingfisher of the subfamily Halcyoninae, the brown-winged kingfisher is notable for its massive orange-red bill and striking contrast of blue back with rich brown wings. It hunts from low perches over tidal creeks, taking crabs, fish, and other small aquatic prey. The species is closely tied to intact coastal mangrove forests and is often assessed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss.
Brown-winged kingfisher, Sundarbans, West Bengal, India
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, defending stretches of tidal creeks. It hunts by sit-and-wait from shaded perches, plunging to snatch prey. Nesting is in burrows excavated in earthen or muddy banks along waterways, with both sexes participating in excavation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is loud and far-carrying, consisting of ringing whistles and piping notes delivered in accelerating series. Calls may include sharp, repeated ‘klee’ or ‘pii-ki-ki-ki’ sequences, often given at dawn and during territorial exchanges.
