Your global reference for wildlife photography

The Common Myna, or Acridotheres tristis, is a medium-sized bird easily recognized by its brown body, black head, and white wing patches. Native to South Asia, it has spread to many parts of the world, sometimes becoming invasive. This bird is highly adaptable, thriving in both urban and rural environments. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, and food scraps. The Common Myna is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds, including human speech. It forms monogamous pairs and is often seen in noisy groups.

The Indigo-banded Kingfisher, Ceyx cyanopectus, is a fascinating bird found in the humid tropical forests of the Philippines. It is distinguished by its striking plumage, with a bright blue head and back, contrasting with a white chest and black wings. Measuring about 16 cm, it is known for its robust beak and short legs. This kingfisher is an agile predator, primarily feeding on small fish and insects, which it captures by diving with precision. Although often solitary, it can be observed in pairs during the breeding season. Its presence is an indicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystems it inhabits.

The Grey-headed Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird, easily recognized by its grey head and colorful plumage. It measures about 25 cm in length and weighs between 50 and 70 g. Its back is typically metallic blue, with a contrasting white belly, and its wings are bright blue with touches of green and orange. This kingfisher is distinguished by its wide, straight bill, suited for hunting. It primarily lives in wooded areas and along the shores of rivers and lakes, where it feeds mainly on fish, aquatic insects, and small amphibians. The Grey-headed Kingfisher hunts by diving from a perch or electrical wire, capturing its prey with great precision. These birds are solitary, although some form pairs during the breeding season. It is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. While its population remains relatively stable, the Grey-headed Kingfisher can be threatened by habitat destruction, water pollution, and poaching.

The Southern Silvery Kingfisher, Ceyx argentatus, is a small bird endemic to the Philippines. It is distinguished by its striking plumage, with a metallic blue back and silvery white belly. Its head is adorned with black and white markings, and it has a bright red bill. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests, often near rivers and streams where it hunts small fish and aquatic insects. Although discreet, it is sometimes observed diving skillfully to catch its prey. Its population is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation, making it a vulnerable species.

The Smyrna Kingfisher is a colorful, medium-sized bird found primarily in Southeast Asia and surrounding regions. It measures about 25 to 30 cm in length and weighs between 40 and 70 g. This kingfisher is distinguished by its brilliant plumage and vibrant colors: a metallic blue back, an orange-red head, and a white belly. Its bill is long, straight, and pointed, perfect for catching prey such as fish, aquatic insects, and small reptiles. The Smyrna Kingfisher typically lives near bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and marshes, where it can dive to catch its food. It is often observed alone or in pairs during the breeding season when it builds a nest in tree cavities or rocks. Although its population remains relatively stable in some areas, it faces threats such as habitat destruction and water pollution.

The Woodland Kingfisher, Halcyon senegalensis, is a colorful and fascinating bird widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. This medium-sized bird, measuring about 23 cm in length, is easily recognizable by its bright blue plumage, black wings, and white belly. Its robust, bright red bill is adapted to its varied diet, mainly consisting of insects, small reptiles, and occasionally fish. The Woodland Kingfisher prefers wooded habitats, savannas, and areas near water, where it can easily find its food. Although often solitary, it can be seen in pairs during the breeding season. Its distinctive call, a rapid and repetitive trill, is often heard at dawn and dusk.

The Striped Kingfisher, or Halcyon chelicuti, is a medium-sized bird, about 20 cm long. It is characterized by its brown plumage with white streaks on the belly and a head adorned with black and white bands. Its beak is robust and slightly hooked, perfect for catching prey. Found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, it inhabits savannas, open forests, and wooded areas. It feeds primarily on insects, small reptiles, and occasionally fish. Although often solitary, it can be seen in pairs during the breeding season. Its song is a melodious trill, often heard at dawn and dusk.

The Ruddy Kingfisher, or Halcyon coromanda, is a medium-sized bird known for its striking purple plumage and robust red bill. It primarily inhabits the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, where it feeds on small fish, insects, and crustaceans. This bird is often seen near water bodies, using its keen eyesight to spot prey. Although generally discreet, its melodious call can be heard at dawn and dusk. The Ruddy Kingfisher is a migratory bird, moving to warmer regions during winter months. Its population is stable, but it remains vulnerable to deforestation.

The Melidora macrorrhina, commonly known as the Hook-billed Kingfisher, is a fascinating bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea. This kingfisher is distinguished by its unique, wide, and flattened bill, which allows it to effectively capture aquatic prey. It sports a vibrant plumage with shades of blue, green, and white, giving it an elegant appearance. This bird prefers dense, humid habitats where it can hide among the foliage while watching for prey. Although primarily solitary, it is sometimes observed in small family groups. Its discreet presence and suspicious behavior make it difficult to spot, but it is a true gem for birdwatchers and passionate photographers.

The Half-collared Kingfisher, Alcedo semitorquata, is a captivating bird found in the tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa. It is notable for its vibrant blue plumage on the back and wings, contrasting with a white belly and a blue chest band. Its head features a dark blue crown, and its long black bill is perfect for catching fish, its primary food source. This kingfisher inhabits rivers, lakes, and wetlands, where it can be seen perched on branches overhanging the water, ready to dive for its prey. Though discreet, it is often detected by its sharp, piercing call.

The Azure Kingfisher, Ceyx azureus, is a small, brightly colored bird, predominantly vivid blue with orange hues on its belly. It primarily inhabits the waterways and rivers of Australia and New Guinea. This kingfisher is known for its speed and agility when diving to catch fish, its main food source. It nests in burrows dug into riverbanks. Though discreet, it is often spotted thanks to its sharp, distinctive call. Its compact size and striking plumage make it a favorite subject for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

The Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Ceyx rufidorsa, is a small, vibrantly colored bird found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. It is easily recognizable by its bright red back and wings tinged with shades of blue and purple. This kingfisher measures about 13 cm in length and weighs between 14 and 17 grams. It primarily inhabits dense forests near water bodies, where it hunts small fish, insects, and crustaceans. Its hunting technique is impressive, diving swiftly into the water to catch its prey. Although discreet, its high-pitched, repetitive call can be heard through the canopy.

The Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird known for its striking plumage and distinctive blue band across its chest. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and slow-moving rivers in Southeast Asia. This kingfisher is an adept hunter, feeding mainly on small fish and aquatic insects. It is often seen perched on low branches, watching the water for prey. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common in some protected areas.

The Cerulean Kingfisher, Alcedo coerulescens, is a small bird, approximately 16 cm in length. It is known for its striking plumage: a vivid blue back, orange belly, and a head adorned with blue and black bands. This kingfisher is primarily found in Indonesia, inhabiting tropical rainforests and mangroves. It feeds mainly on small fish and aquatic insects, which it catches with precise dives. Although discreet, its high-pitched, repetitive call can be heard near water bodies. Due to deforestation, its habitat is threatened, impacting its populations.

The Shining-blue Kingfisher, Alcedo quadribrachys, is a captivating bird found mainly in the humid tropical forests of West and Central Africa. This small bird, measuring about 16 cm in length, is distinguished by its striking plumage, with a bright blue head and back, contrasting with a white belly and dark wings. It is often seen near water bodies, where it hunts small fish and aquatic insects. Its fast, direct flight and high-pitched call make it easily recognizable. Though discreet, it plays a vital role in its ecosystem, helping regulate fish and insect populations.

The Belted Kingfisher is a medium-sized aquatic bird, easily recognized by its bright plumage and vivid colors. It measures about 28 cm in length and weighs between 100 and 150 g. Its back is a brilliant metallic blue, while its belly is white with orange patches on the chest. It has a long, straight, pointed bill, suited for catching fish and other aquatic prey. The Belted Kingfisher is an excellent diver, often perching on branches or electrical wires above the water before diving at high speed to catch its prey. It primarily lives in rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal areas of North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. These birds are solitary and defend their territory by emitting sharp calls. While its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss due to water pollution and wetland destruction.

The European Kingfisher is a small aquatic bird, easily recognized by its vivid plumage and bright colors. It measures about 17 to 19 cm in length and weighs between 30 and 40 g. Its back is a brilliant metallic blue, while its belly is a bright orange. Its bill is long, straight, and pointed, perfectly suited for catching fish and aquatic insects. This kingfisher primarily lives along rivers, lakes, and canals in Europe, where it perches on branches or rocks near the water. When hunting, it dives quickly in a headfirst plunge to capture its prey, often using its excellent vision to locate fish underwater. The European Kingfisher is a solitary bird, defending its territory by emitting a sharp call. While it is relatively common in many parts of Europe, it can be threatened by water pollution and habitat destruction.

The Blyth's Kingfisher, or Alcedo hercules, is a remarkable bird primarily found in the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. This kingfisher stands out due to its impressive size, reaching up to 25 cm in length, making it one of the largest in its genus. Its plumage is a striking blue on the back and wings, contrasting with an orange belly. It frequents fast-flowing streams and rivers bordered by dense forests, where it primarily hunts fish and aquatic insects. Its presence is often revealed by its sharp, piercing call. Although discreet, it is sometimes observed perched on a branch overlooking the water, patiently waiting for its prey.

The Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher, or Ceyx margarethae, is a small, brightly colored bird endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. This kingfisher is distinguished by its vibrant plumage, featuring shades of blue, orange, and white. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and wooded areas near water bodies. Although discreet, it is often spotted due to its sharp and distinctive call. This kingfisher feeds mainly on small fish and insects, which it catches by swiftly diving into the water from a perch. Its small size and discreet behavior make it difficult to observe, but it is a true gem for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The Northern Silvery Kingfisher, or Ceyx flumenicola, is a small, brightly colored bird, primarily blue and orange, found in the humid tropical forests of Southeast Asia. It is renowned for its ability to swiftly dive into water to catch fish and aquatic insects. This kingfisher prefers clear streams and slow-moving rivers, where it can easily spot its prey. Although discreet, it is often noticed due to its sharp, piercing call. Its small size and rapid flight make it difficult to observe, but its beauty makes it a favorite subject for birdwatchers and photographers.

The Bismarck Kingfisher, or Ceyx websteri, is a rare and fascinating bird endemic to the humid tropical forests of the Philippines. This small bird, measuring about 12 cm in length, is distinguished by its bright plumage with vivid blue and orange hues. It primarily inhabits wooded areas near water bodies, where it feeds on small fish and aquatic insects. Its discreet presence and shy behavior make it difficult to observe in its natural habitat. The Bismarck Kingfisher is currently classified as a vulnerable species due to deforestation and loss of its natural habitat. Conservation of this bird is crucial to maintaining the biodiversity of the Philippine forest ecosystems.

The Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher, or Ceyx melanurus, is a small bird, measuring about 13 cm in length. It is primarily found in the humid tropical forests of the Philippines. Its vivid coloration, with a black back contrasting with bright blue wings and an orange belly, makes it a striking sight. This kingfisher feeds mainly on small fish and insects, which it captures by quickly diving from a low branch. It is often seen near rivers and streams, where it builds its nest in tunnels dug into the banks. Although its population is stable, deforestation poses a potential threat to its natural habitat.

The Giant Kingfisher is the largest of the kingfisher species, measuring between 40 and 45 cm in length and weighing between 200 and 300 g. It has a distinctive plumage, with a metallic blue back, a gray head, and a white belly. Its bill is particularly long and powerful, suited for capturing large aquatic prey, such as fish, reptiles, and even crustaceans. This kingfisher primarily inhabits the banks of rivers and lakes in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and southern China, where it often hunts from branches or rocks above the water. Although it is primarily solitary in its hunting activities, it can sometimes be seen in pairs or families during the breeding season. The Giant Kingfisher is an excellent diver but is also known for its ability to catch prey while flying over the water and striking with its bill at great speed. While the species is widely distributed, it faces threats related to habitat loss and water pollution.

The Malachite Kingfisher, Corythornis cristatus, is a small, vibrantly colored bird found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognized by its distinctive crest and bright plumage, which features shades of blue, orange, and white. This kingfisher frequents the banks of rivers, lakes, and marshes, where it primarily hunts fish and aquatic insects. It is often seen perched on a branch or reed, patiently watching for prey before diving with precision to catch it. Despite its small size, it is an efficient and agile predator. Its breeding season varies by region, but it is generally monogamous and territorial during this time.

The Collared Kingfisher is a small colorful bird, measuring about 15 to 18 cm in length, and weighing between 20 and 30 g. It is distinguished by its head adorned with a characteristic crest made of bright blue feathers, and its brilliant plumage which combines shades of metallic blue and bright orange. Its back is cobalt blue and its belly is orange, with a striking contrast between the two. This kingfisher primarily inhabits wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa, often near rivers, marshes, and lakes, where it primarily hunts fish and aquatic insects. It is often seen diving from a perch to catch its prey, using its pointed and powerful bill to grab it with great precision. While it is generally a solitary bird, it can sometimes be seen in pairs during the breeding season. Although the population of the Collared Kingfisher is relatively stable, it faces threats such as habitat loss and water pollution.

The Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, or Corythornis madagascariensis, is an endemic bird of Madagascar, known for its striking plumage. It features a bright blue head and back, contrasting with a white chest and belly. This small bird, measuring about 13 to 15 cm, is often seen near water bodies, where it primarily hunts small fish and insects. Its long, pointed beak is perfectly adapted for catching aquatic prey. Though discreet, its melodious song often echoes in the island's humid forests and mangroves. It symbolizes Madagascar's unique biodiversity, but its population is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation.

The Blue-eared Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 16 to 18 cm in length. It is distinguished by its striking plumage, with bright blue shades on its back and wings, and an orange belly. Its long, pointed beak is perfect for catching fish, its main food source. It is primarily found in the humid tropical forests of Southeast Asia, near rivers and streams. This bird is often solitary and highly territorial. It is known for its spectacular hunting technique, diving swiftly into the water to catch its prey. Despite its beauty, it is often difficult to spot due to its discreet behavior and dense habitat.

The Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Ceyx fallax, is a bird endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. This small bird, measuring about 14 cm, is renowned for its vibrant plumage, featuring shades of blue, orange, and white. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and mangroves, where it feeds on small fish and insects. Its long, pointed beak is perfectly adapted for catching aquatic prey. Though discreet, its melodious song often resonates in its natural habitat. Unfortunately, deforestation threatens its environment, leading to a decline in its population.

The Malaysian Blue-banded Kingfisher, Alcedo peninsulae, is a fascinating bird primarily inhabiting the tropical rainforests and mangroves of the Indo-Malayan region. This small bird, measuring about 16 cm in length, is recognizable by its bright blue plumage, darker blue wings and tail, and orange chest. It primarily feeds on small fish and aquatic insects, which it captures by diving precisely into the water. Although discreet, it is often spotted thanks to its sharp, piercing call. Its presence is an indicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystems it inhabits.

The Pied Kingfisher is a medium-sized aquatic bird, measuring about 25 cm in length and weighing between 80 and 120 g. It is easily recognized by its distinctive black and white plumage, with a black head, white back, and wings that are also black and white. Its belly is generally white, and it has a long, straight, pointed bill, perfectly suited for catching fish and aquatic insects. This kingfisher primarily inhabits coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and marshes in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asia. It primarily feeds on small fish, but can also catch insects, crustaceans, and small frogs. The Pied Kingfisher is an excellent diver, often seen diving into the water at high speed from a perch to catch its prey. While often observed alone or in small groups, it can sometimes be seen in pairs during the breeding season. While it is widely distributed, it can be threatened by water pollution and habitat loss.