Chuck
Sony A7iii, FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 576mm, S: 1/1,000s, A: F7.1, ISO: 3,200.
He snapped the crusty morsel into the air, turning it mid-air in perfect circles.
It was another day at the marsh edge. The pied kingfisher had returned and was on full display. Landing on the turned stump at the edge, he surveyed the water beneath him bit by bit. Making his familiar call briefly “chirruk, chirruk”, he settled down, but his sharp eyes did not miss a beat as he noticed a tiny globular pattern floating just below the surface. It seemed to stir a little, attracting his undivided attention. He watched as it created concentric circles from its center, almost as if it were swimming, the ripples moving away in regular beats. With a sudden bobbing of his head, he flipped off his perch, diving into the translucent water, his beak spearing this oddball, and returned triumphantly to his original spot with the mass firmly in his beaky clasp.
But he looked a little uncertain. It was neither a fish nor an insect that he would usually catch. He tossed it into the air, flipping it over and over, trying to examine its contents, still seemingly unsure what it was. As he turned it again, he let it drop, observing it fall into the water beneath him. The soft splash, followed by an unexpected movement just underneath, drew his focus again. The morsel seemed to provide a surprising reward, as a small fish suddenly appeared below it. For the kingfisher, this is what he was waiting for.
The Ingenious Hunt of the Pied Kingfisher
The Pied Kingfisher, Ceryle rudis, has remarkable hunting techniques and a striking appearance. Known primarily for its diet of fish, this avian hunter also indulges in crustaceans and sizeable aquatic insects.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Pied Kingfisher is its dual hunting strategy. These birds can either perch patiently or hover above the water, each method offering distinct advantages. Hunting from a perch conserves energy, allowing the kingfisher to watch the water below with minimal effort. However, this technique confines the bird to a limited area, reliant on what happens to swim by.
In contrast, hovering demands significant energy but provides the bird access to wider, perch-less feeding grounds. By beating their wings rapidly, Pied Kingfishers maintain a steady position in the air before plunging head-first into the water at astonishing speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. This impressive dive requires precision and agility, enabling them to frequently catch their prey with remarkable success.
Interestingly, not all kingfishers share the same diet. While many feast on fish, others prefer insects, lizards, and even small birds. This dietary diversity among kingfishers highlights the evolutionary adaptability of these birds. The plunge-diving technique, specifically, is believed to have developed as a specialised method to efficiently catch fish, a preferred prey for many kingfishers.
The Pied Kingfisher's striking black-and-white plumage is not just for show; it plays a crucial role in its hunting strategy. The contrasting colors help to break up the bird’s outline against the sky, making it less visible to prey below. This natural camouflage, combined with their swift diving skills, makes them excellent hunters.
Pied Kingfishers are known for their social behaviour; they are often seen hunting and roosting in groups. This communal lifestyle provides various benefits, including protection from predators and increased success in locating food sources.
Feathered Friends Collection
Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.
Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe, and their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.
