Blue-eared Kingfisher

About

The Blue-eared Kingfisher is a small, brilliantly colored kingfisher found across much of Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is closely related to the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) but can be distinguished by its darker blue upperparts and lack of rufous ear-coverts.

Size & lifespan

Length

16-17 cm

Wingspan

25-27 cm

Weight

18-25 g

Lifespan

3-5 years in the wild (estimated)

Diet

Carnivore (primarily piscivorous)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have dark cobalt-blue upperparts, including the crown, mantle, and wings, often appearing purplish-blue in certain light. The ear-coverts are dark blue, contrasting with a white patch on the side of the neck. The throat is white, and the underparts are rich rufous-chestnut. The rump is a brighter, iridescent blue. The primary feathers are dark brown.

Beak shape

Long, straight, and dagger-like. In males, the upper mandible is black and the lower mandible is red with a black tip. In females, both mandibles are entirely black, or the lower mandible is duller red/orange with a black tip.

Eye color

Dark brown

Leg color

Bright red

Distinguishing features

Lack of rufous ear-coverts (which are dark blue instead), darker overall blue plumage compared to Common Kingfisher, and the distinct white neck patch. The bright red legs are also a good field mark.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller overall, with a less intense blue plumage and paler rufous underparts. Their bill is entirely black, and their legs are duller, often brownish-red. They may also show faint barring on the breast.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round.

Sexual dimorphism

Present in bill coloration: males have a red lower mandible with a black tip, while females have an entirely black bill or a duller red/orange lower mandible with a black tip.

How to identify

1. 1

   Plumage Coloration

   Look for the deep, dark cobalt-blue upperparts, which can appear purplish in certain light. This is a key differentiator from the brighter, often greener blue of the Common Kingfisher.

2. 2

   Ear-coverts

   Crucially, observe the color of the ear-coverts. In the Blue-eared Kingfisher, these are dark blue, blending with the head. The Common Kingfisher has distinct rufous (orange-brown) ear-coverts.

3. 3

   White Neck Patch

   Note the prominent white patch on the side of the neck, which stands out against the dark blue plumage.

4. 4

   Underparts

   The underparts are a rich, uniform rufous-chestnut.

5. 5

   Bill Color (Sexing)

   If visible, the bill color can help determine sex: males have a red lower mandible with a black tip, while females have an entirely black bill or a duller red/orange lower mandible with a black tip.

6. 6

   Legs

   Bright red legs are a consistent feature in adults.

7. 7

   Call

   Listen for its sharp, high-pitched 'chee-chee' or 'chick-chick' call, often given in flight.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, mangroves, freshwater wetlands, rivers, streams, and lakes.

Geographic range

Indian subcontinent (parts of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines).

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to 1,000 meters, occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Clear, slow-moving or still freshwater bodies with overhanging vegetation, dense riparian forests, mangrove creeks, and shaded streams. Requires perches for hunting and soft banks for nesting.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Primarily piscivorous, feeding on small fish, but also consumes aquatic insects, crustaceans, and tadpoles. It hunts by perching on a low branch over water, diving headfirst to catch prey, and returning to a perch to consume it, often beating larger prey against the branch.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Highly territorial.

Flight pattern

Fast, direct, and low over the water, often with rapid wing beats. Appears as a blur of blue as it flies.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, with some local movements in response to food availability or habitat changes.

Territoriality

Highly territorial, especially around nesting and prime feeding sites. Will aggressively defend its territory against other kingfishers.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, but generally between February and May in India, and March to July in Southeast Asia. Can have multiple broods in a year.

Nesting habits

Nests in a burrow excavated in a vertical earth bank, typically along a river, stream, or pond. Both parents participate in digging the tunnel, which can be 30-90 cm long, ending in an unlined nesting chamber.

Clutch size

3-7 eggs

Egg description

3-7 (typically 4-6) glossy, pure white, spherical eggs.

Incubation period

Approximately 18-20 days, shared by both parents.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 23-27 days after hatching. Both parents feed the young.

Parental care

Both male and female share incubation duties and feed the nestlings. After fledging, the young are often fed by the parents for a short period before becoming independent.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Patience and Stealth. Blue-eared Kingfishers are shy and easily disturbed. Approach quietly and slowly, and be prepared to wait patiently near suitable water bodies.
2. Look for Perches. Scan low-hanging branches, exposed roots, or rocks near the water's edge, as these are favored hunting perches.
3. Follow the Call. Their sharp calls can often lead you to their location, especially when they are flying or agitated.
4. Early Morning/Late Afternoon. These are typically the most active feeding times, increasing your chances of observation.
5. Binoculars Essential. Due to their small size and often cryptic nature, good binoculars are crucial for detailed observation and identification.

Similar species

Quick facts

Diet:

Small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans

Habitat:

Clear freshwater bodies in forested areas, mangroves

Status:

Least Concern (IUCN)

Distinguishing Mark:

Dark blue ear-coverts, white neck patch

Bill Color (Male):

Red lower mandible with black tip

Bill Color (Female):

Entirely black bill

Fun facts

• Despite its vibrant plumage, the Blue-eared Kingfisher can be surprisingly difficult to spot due to its small size and preference for dense, shaded habitats.
• Like other Alcedo kingfishers, it has nictitating membranes (a transparent third eyelid) that protect its eyes when diving underwater for prey.
• Its brilliant blue coloration is not due to pigments but rather to the structural properties of its feathers, which scatter blue light.
• It is an indicator species for healthy aquatic ecosystems, as it requires clear, unpolluted water for successful hunting.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Coraciiformes

Family

Alcedinidae

Genus

Alcedo

Species

Alcedo meninting

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