Halcyon chelicuti
The Striped Kingfisher, *Halcyon chelicuti*, is a striking, yet often overlooked, denizen of sub-Saharan Africa's arid woodlands and savannas. Measuring approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 inches) in length and weighing around 30-40 grams, this small kingfisher boasts a distinctive appearance. Its plumage features a dull olive-brown back and crown, beautifully contrasting with pure white underparts and rich rufous flanks. A prominent black stripe through the eye, a finely striped crown pattern, a...
Found primarily in dry, open woodlands, acacia savanna, and thorny scrubland across sub-Saharan Africa, often preferring areas with scattered trees for perching. It inhabits elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, mantises, and crickets. It also preys on small reptiles (lizards, snakes), amphibians, and occasionally small rodents, all caught by diving to the ground from a perch.
The Striped Kingfisher is a diurnal and predominantly solitary bird, often observed perched conspicuously on dead branches, fence posts, or telephone wires, from which it surveys its surroundings. Its primary foraging strategy is the "perch-and-pounce" method; it dives to the ground to snatch pre...
The Striped Kingfisher is a widespread resident across much of sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a broad band from Senegal and The Gambia in the west, eastward through the Sahel and Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia and Somalia. Its range extends southwards across East Africa to Tanzania and Mozamb...
Least Concern
- Unlike most kingfishers, the Striped Kingfisher is largely independent of water, preferring dry, open woodlands and savannas. - It is sometimes referred to as a "bush kingfisher" due to its terrestrial habits, a significant departure from its aquatic relatives. - Its distinctive trilling call, ...