Halcyon senegalensis
The Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) is a striking medium-sized avian jewel, typically measuring 20-23 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 30-34 cm. Its most distinctive field marks include a robust, bright red bill tipped with black, a vibrant turquoise-blue back and rump, and contrasting black primary patches on its wings. The head is a soft grey, gracefully transitioning to white on the throat and underparts, further highlighted by a prominent black stripe extending fro...
Primarily inhabits woodlands, savannas, thornbush, and riparian forests, often found far from permanent water sources, at elevations ranging from sea level up to 2,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on large insects (grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars), as well as small reptiles, amphibians, fish, and rodents, captured by perch-and-pounce foraging.
The Woodland Kingfisher is a diurnal bird, typically observed alone or in pairs, often roosting communally in trees at night. Its primary foraging strategy involves patient perch-hunting from an elevated branch, from which it swoops down to seize prey from the ground, vegetation, or occasionally ...
The Woodland Kingfisher enjoys a broad geographic distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from the coastal regions of Senegal in the west, eastward across the Sahel and savanna belts to Eritrea and Somalia, and southward through Central Africa to parts of Angola, northern Namibia, Bots...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the Woodland Kingfisher is often found far from water, preferring dry woodlands and savannas, a significant departure from many of its aquatic relatives. - It is one of the few bird species known to excavate its nests directly into arboreal termite nests, utilizing the termite...