The stork-billed kingfisher, is a tree kingfisher which is widely but sparsely distributed in the tropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia. These kingfishers are large and have a heavy bill. The head is brown and the chin is paler coloured. The sexes are similar in coloration. This is found mostly in streams and ponds in lowland areas with tree cover. This kingfisher is sendentary throughout its range.
Region
Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Indian subcontinent (including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and much of Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and nearby islands). It favors lowland rivers, oxbow lakes, reservoirs, mangroves, and shaded ponds with overhanging trees. It also uses forest edges, plantations near water, and quiet tidal creeks. It is generally sparse but widespread across suitable wet habitats. Urban parks with large ponds can host territorial pairs where mature trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking kingfisher has an outsized crimson bill that helps it handle large, slippery prey. Despite being a kingfisher, it often hunts well away from open water, along shaded ponds, backwaters, and mangroves. Its loud, cackling calls carry far through riverine forests. Pairs excavate long nesting tunnels in earthen banks or steep cuts near water.
Pelargopsis capensis burmanica by Keulemans
P. c. capensis at Ranthambore National Park
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, holding linear territories along watercourses. Pairs excavate burrows in earthen banks for nesting and defend the nest site vigorously. Courtship includes vocal duets and bill-touching displays. Young remain near the nest area for a short period after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a loud, ringing, cackling series of kek-kek-kek notes that accelerates and carries over water. Also gives harsh rattles and chattering calls from prominent perches.
