Blue-Eared Kingfisher

Lifestyles

In the realm of forested areas in Asia, there is a diminutive dark blue bird with an alluring appearance—the Blue-Eared Kingfisher.

With its unique features and captivating colors, this avian species has become a symbol of the enchanting beauty found in nature's hidden corners.

The Blue-Eared Kingfisher is a striking creature, easily distinguishable from its counterparts. Unlike the Common Kingfisher, it lacks the rufous ear stripe and exhibits darker rufous underparts.

Its small size, measuring approximately 16 centimeters (6.3 inches) in length, adds to its endearing charm.

The Blue-Eared Kingfisher boasts an ultramarine-blue head and neck, adorned with darker blue bands that create a mesmerizing, scaly allure. Additionally, an orange spot in front of the eye and white ear tufts on the sides of the neck contribute to its allure.

Glossy dark blue feathers dominate the upper parts of this regal bird, with a paler blue central band down the back to the rump. The underparts boast a deep orange color, standing in striking contrast to the white chin and throat.

The combination of these vibrant hues makes the Blue-Eared Kingfisher an exquisite sight to behold.

Adult males possess a black bill with a brownish-red base, emphasizing their elegance and masculinity.

Females, on the other hand, display an almost entirely red bill, creating a distinct visual contrast. This difference in bill color serves as a helpful marker for identifying the gender of these captivating birds.

The Blue-Eared Kingfisher undergoes a fascinating transformation from juvenile to adult, accompanied by changes in its appearance.

Juvenile Blue-Eared Kingfishers share some characteristics with the Common Kingfisher, such as rufous ear coverts.

Another notable feature is their reddish bill with whitish tips, serving as a distinctive trait during their early stages of life.

The Blue-Eared Kingfisher's presence spans a wide range of territories in Asia.

This enchanting species can be found throughout the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its habitat extends from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh in the west, to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia in the east.

The Blue-Eared Kingfisher seeks shelter in densely shaded forests, where it thrives near small streams and pools. These birds display their hunting prowess in these tranquil aquatic environments, creating a spectacle for fortunate onlookers.

While exploring the depths of nature, you may encounter the Blue-Eared Kingfisher at altitudes below 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). Pools or streams within dense evergreen forests serve as their preferred homes, occasionally venturing into mangrove habitats as well.

Within the realm of the Blue-Eared Kingfisher, different subspecies have been identified, each exhibiting distinct variations in size and color shade.