The collared kingfisher is a medium-sized kingfisher belonging to the subfamily Halcyoninae, the tree kingfishers. It is also known as the white-collared kingfisher, black-masked kingfisher or mangrove kingfisher. It has a wide range extending from the Red Sea across southern Asia to Melanesia. A number of subspecies and subspecies groups have been split from this species including the Pacific kingfisher, the islet kingfisher, the Torresian kingfisher, the Mariana kingfisher, and the Melanesian kingfisher.
Region
Indo-Pacific
Typical Environment
Found from the Red Sea and Arabian coast across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia to New Guinea and parts of Melanesia. It is especially common along tropical coasts, where mangrove swamps, tidal creeks, and beach scrub provide prime perches and foraging sites. Inland, it occupies open woodland, coconut groves, plantations, and parklands near water. On many small islands it is one of the most conspicuous resident birds, readily using human-altered habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The collared kingfisher, also called the white-collared or mangrove kingfisher, is a robust, tree-dwelling kingfisher best known for its bright blue-green back and crisp white collar. It commonly inhabits mangroves and coastal woodlands but also adapts to gardens and plantations. Several island populations once grouped under this name have been split into separate species by some authorities, reflecting considerable geographic variation.
Juvenile, T. c. humii from Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal, India
Skeleton of a collared kingfisher
T. c. humii at Sunderbans, West Bengal
T. c. collaris in Bataan, Philippines
An individual at Zuari River, Goa, India
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs holding year-round territories. Nests in tree cavities, rotten stumps, arboreal termite mounds, or occasionally in earthen banks. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and both sexes participate in nest excavation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal, with a loud metallic series of repeated kik-kik or kek-kek notes. Also gives harsh chatters and whistles, often delivered from a prominent perch.
