How to identify the Blue-eared Kingfisher

To correctly identify the Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

16-17 cm

Wingspan

25-27 cm

Weight

18-25 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   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.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Bright red

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   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.

Key field marks

• 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.
• 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.
• White Neck Patch. Note the prominent white patch on the side of the neck, which stands out against the dark blue plumage.
• Underparts. The underparts are a rich, uniform rufous-chestnut.
• 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.
• Legs. Bright red legs are a consistent feature in adults.
• Call. Listen for its sharp, high-pitched 'chee-chee' or 'chick-chick' call, often given in flight.

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