Pied Kingfisher and hovering

YC Wee
on 22nd April 2017

KingfisherPd [NeoNg]

The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) (above), unlike other kingfishers, uses hovering as a major hunting technique. With wings beating rapidly above the water, it keeps a keen eye for the presence of a prey below (below).

KingfisherPd [NeoNg]

Once it spots a prey, it plunges down to grab it with its long bill (below).

KingfisherPd [NeoNg]

The ability to hover allows it to remain for a prolonged period without the need to return to a nearby perch. It also opens up new areas for it to exploit, like open waters far from the shore.

KingfisherPd [NeoNg]

However, once it catches a reasonably sized fish, it still needs to return to a perch to bash it before swallowing (above). Small fish can always be swallowed in flight.

KingfisherPd [NeoNg]

Before the next hunt, the kingfisher needs to cast a whitish pellet consisting of bones, scales and other undigested matters (above).

Neo Ng
Hong Kong
20th February 2017

This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

Thailand Hornbills

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From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group Part 2: Photographing Birds

5th January 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group. Part 1: Looking at Birds.

12th December 2024

Good Stories Movement

14th September 2024

From watching birdwatchers to watching birds

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