Todiramphus chloris
The Collared Kingfisher, *Todiramphus chloris*, is a remarkably widespread and adaptable kingfisher species, distinguished by its vibrant plumage and broad white collar. Measuring approximately 22-26 cm in length with a weight ranging from 50-90 grams, it boasts iridescent blue-green upperparts contrasted by pristine white underparts, a prominent white nuchal collar, and a dark mask-like eye-stripe extending from the bill. Its large, stout, dark bill, often with a paler lower mandible, is a f...
Primarily found in coastal and estuarine environments, including mangroves, mudflats, and shorelines, often extending into adjacent woodlands, cultivated areas, and urban parks, usually at low elevations.
Omnivorous and opportunistic, its diet primarily consists of large invertebrates (crabs, shrimp, insects), small fish, lizards, frogs, and occasionally small snakes or rodents.
Diurnal in activity, the Collared Kingfisher is a classic perch-and-wait predator, often seen perched conspicuously on wires, branches, or rocks overlooking its hunting grounds. It employs a swift, direct dive to capture prey from the water surface or the ground, occasionally hovering briefly bef...
The Collared Kingfisher boasts an exceptionally vast and disjunct distribution, spanning from the Red Sea coasts of Northeast Africa (e.g., Sudan, Eritrea) eastward across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, and Australia. Its range extends significant...
Least Concern
- With over 50 recognized subspecies, the Collared Kingfisher holds the record for one of the most geographically diverse kingfisher species. - Despite its name, its diet is remarkably varied; it is not solely a fish-eater and readily consumes a wide range of terrestrial prey. - This kingfisher i...