Megaceryle lugubris
The Crested Kingfisher (*Megaceryle lugubris*) is a magnificent and substantial piscivore, recognized as one of the largest members of the kingfisher family in Asia. Reaching lengths of 41-43 cm with a wingspan up to 70 cm and weighing 250-380g, it possesses a striking appearance dominated by dark blue-grey upperparts profusely speckled with white, contrasting with a pristine white belly. Its most distinctive field marks include a large, shaggy crest, a heavy, sharp black bill, and prominent ...
Found along swift, clear mountain rivers and large streams, often bordered by dense forest or wooded areas, typically at elevations ranging from low foothills up to 3000 meters.
Primarily piscivorous, consuming various freshwater fish species (e.g., trout, carp) up to 20 cm in length, supplemented by crabs, large aquatic insects, and occasionally small amphibians.
The Crested Kingfisher is primarily diurnal, typically observed perched silently on prominent snags, rocks, or branches overlooking swift, clear water bodies. Its primary foraging strategy involves patient "perch-and-plunge" diving, where it scans the water from above before executing a powerful,...
The Crested Kingfisher boasts a wide yet fragmented distribution across the Asian continent, predominantly associated with mountainous and hilly regions. Its breeding range spans from the western Himalayas, encompassing northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan, eastward through southern China, Myanmar, ...
Least Concern
- The Crested Kingfisher is one of the largest kingfisher species in the world, often exceeding 40 cm in length. - Its eyesight is specially adapted to correct for the refraction of light when diving from air into water, allowing for precise strikes. - The elaborate, shaggy crest gives it a disti...