Alcedo hercules
The Blyth's Kingfisher, *Alcedo hercules*, is a magnificent and elusive member of the Alcedinidae family, distinguished as one of the largest species within the *Alcedo* genus. Reaching an impressive length of 35-40 cm (14-16 inches) with a formidable bill of around 8 cm, its substantial size immediately sets it apart from its smaller relatives, including the widespread Common Kingfisher. Its striking plumage features glossy purplish-blue to dark blue-black upperparts, providing excellent cam...
This species primarily inhabits clear, fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers within dense, evergreen or mixed broadleaf montane forests, typically at elevations ranging from 100 to 2,000 meters.
The primary diet consists of small fish, particularly hillstream loaches and cyprinids, supplemented by aquatic insects such as dragonfly larvae, which it catches by diving from an overhanging perch.
Blyth's Kingfisher is a largely solitary and highly cryptic bird, often observed perched motionlessly on a branch overhanging the water, patiently scanning for prey. Its foraging strategy is the classic perch-and-plunge dive, executed with remarkable precision to snatch fish or aquatic insects fr...
The Blyth's Kingfisher is distributed across the Himalayan foothills and Southeast Asia, inhabiting pristine montane forest streams. Its breeding range extends from central Nepal eastward through Bhutan, northeast India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland), into northern Myanmar, southern China (...
Near Threatened
- Blyth's Kingfisher is one of the largest species in the Alcedo genus, a group typically known for much smaller birds. - Its scientific name, *Alcedo hercules*, directly references its impressive size, likening it to the mythical strongman Hercules. - This kingfisher is an excellent bio-indicato...