Pied kingfishers (Ceryle rudis) are very common bird in Egypt. In Aswan we can see pied kingfishers everywhere around the river nile banks. They are known for their black-and-white plumage. Here are 10 facts about Pied Kingfisher!
1- Fishing Expert
Pied Kingfishers are skilled fishers, diving into the water from a hovering position to catch fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey. With its long beak and nimble size, the pied kingfisher flies low and straight like a bullet, reaching speeds of 25 miles per hour. The beaks slice soundlessly through the air and water, allowing them to dive and strike without alerting their prey.
2- Social birds
Pied kingfishers are sociable birds that are usually found in pairs or small family groups and form large roosts at night. They are cooperative breeders. This means that there can be up to four ‘helpers’ who assist the parents in caring for their young. These helpers are oftentimes adult birds who have failed to raise chicks of their own. It’s no wonder pied kingfisher numbers are so high. With so many ‘hands’ to raise chicks and defend territory.
3- Important Ecological Role
As predators, Pied Kingfishers play an important role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Their diet consist mainly of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey.
4- High-Quality vision
Kingfisher’s eyes have adapted to spot the exact position of fish from above. Once the kingfisher spots the prey, refractions in the water don’t affect its vision.
It has the ability to correct according to refraction and react to the sudden movements of its prey. To top it all off, the pied kingfisher closes its transparent eyelid to assist with vision underwater.
5- Hovering ability
Kingfishers can hover in mid-air, scanning the water below for prey, before diving in to catch their quarry. The pied kingfisher is the largest of the ‘hovering’ birds. Hovering describes the ability to stay in one place while flying. You may be fortunate to see a pied kingfisher hovering over the Nile river while hunting.
6- Unmistakable appearance
The pied kingfisher has a striking black-and-white plumage, with a black crown, white throat and black breast band. Males have a double band across the breast, while females have a single broken breast band. It is the only black and white kingfisher.
7- Wide Distribution
Pied kingfishers are found in a wide range of habitats, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asia.
8- Nesting Habits
Pied Kingfishers nest in burrows or tunnels close to water, often excavated in sandy banks or cliffs, where they lay 3-6 eggs. They form long-term monogamous pairs, with some pairs staying together for several breeding seasons.
9- King of speed
Pied kingfishers are fast moving and fly at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Distinctive hunting technique of pied kingfishers has earned the species a few records. Pied kingfishers are the only kingfishers with the ability to perform a figure of eight wing stroke.
10- Conservation Status
The Pied Kingfisher is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although habitat destruction and pollution can still pose threats to local populations.
Pied kingfisher is one of the common birds, which we can see during our birdwatching trips in Aswan.
Interested in fun facts about Aswan’s local birds?
Read these 10 facts about Egyptian Goose
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