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White Throated Kingfisher - Halcyon Smyrnensis
Bird watching in Bhopal during the Covid-19 lockdown… Never thought we would live to see days like these. But even with all the glum news all around, nature seems to be finding ways to cheer up the hearts of us nature lovers. Spotting this White Throated Kingfisher was one such moment.
White Throated Kingfishers are spotted easily, perching on electricity supply wires and open perches. That is how we spotted this fella, fully engrossed in what seems to be a hearty meal. But then we looked a little closer – “Could this be true? How could he be doing this!” There it was, happily trying to slurp up this SUPER HUGE SNAKE, as if it came from some weird Chinese Hakka-noodles breakfast bowl. And for the life of us, we couldn’t understand how this kingfisher could fit such a ginormous creature inside its seemingly small body. For a while, it had us thinking about Hermione’s magic bag from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – a tiny purse that she had enchanted to fit just about anything inside, irrespective of its sizeShrugging ourselves back to reality, we whipped out our camera and were able to capture the moment of this white throated kingfisher feeding on a snake, just as it was about to suck in the last bit of its meal. I don’t think any of us will be able to see a plate of chowmein the same way ever again!
Here is all that we learned about the White Throated Kingfisher
SPECIES:
The White Throated Kingfisher, also known as White Breasted Kingfisher, is a large kingfisher that is commonly seen perching on electricity wires, exposed branches and rocks. The bird is known to hunt large crustaceans, worms, rodents, fish, frogs and even snakes (as we saw in the above video). It is also known to hunt smaller sized birds like munias, sparrows, oriental white eyes and even juveniles of larger birds. The focus and balance it exhibits while spotting prey in the water and catching fish is known to be legendary!
FOUND IN:
White Throated Kingfishers are categorised into four geographical races, differentiated by their sizes, shade of blue and white and the locations in which they are found. Three of these sub species – Halcyon Smyrnensis fusca, Halcyon Smyrnensis Perpulchra and Halcyon Smyrnensis Saturatior are found in India. In fact, the Halcyon Smyrnensis Saturatior is found only in the Andaman Islands.
FEATURES:
White Throated Kingfishers are typically large sized kingfishers that can be 27–28 cm in length. Adult birds have a bright blue back, wings and tail with a white throat and breast and chestnut coloured head, shoulders and flanks. The Kingfisher’s bill is bright red and large, adapted to scoop up prey like fish and worms, even from the water. Its feet and beak are bright red in colour with large black-brown eyes. Juveniles are usually duller versions of the adult bird.
EXTRA FACTS:
• # White throated kingfishers have a rapid and direct flight – an adaptation that helps the bird in hunting fast moving prey.
• # These birds are known to breed as the monsoon arrives in the country.
• # Kingfishers nest in tunnel like structures that they create by digging in earth banks, mud walls and even haystacks.
• # White Breasted Kingfishers are the state bird of West Bengal.
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Bird Watching Treks
Wildlife Safari in Bhopal
Nature Attractions & Adventures around Kathotiya
Kathotiya Jungle Camp
A scenic abode set next to a seasonal river with gorgeous farmland and a dense tree cover all around – camping in Bhopal simply cannot get any better than this! You will love roughing it out in the wild here at this beautiful campsite.
Kathotiya Views
The defining feature of any Vindhyachal trekking zone – undulating highlands that offer scintillating views of the valley all around. Imagine sipping tea up here, as the setting sun throws up a cascade of shades on the horizon with the dense green foliage moving with the wind like waves in the sea – This is life at its very best!
Kathotiya Rock Paintings
Check out rock art left behind by our ancestors who inhabited the caves in Kathotiya centuries ago. These rock paintings have been dated to around 5000 to 11000 years old and are at par with what you will be able to witness at Bheembetka.
Kathotiya waterfalls and rivers
Every monsoon, the river systems of Kathotiya come alive with activity. Cascading waterfalls down from the hills around, forming 2-3 gorgeous 20-30ft waterfalls and pools and flows into deep ravines cut into the land by the river. This phenomenon makes Kathotiya perfect for monsoon adventures like River crossing in Bhopal.
Kathotiya tribal villages
The secluded existence and off-the-land lifestyle of local Bheels and Bhilalas in Kathotiya is an enigma to us city-dwellers. Beautiful little hamlets, cooking utensils fashioned out of dried gourd and pumpkin shells, rudimentary tools and weapons made from rocks, metal and wood – there is so much that you can check out here.
Kathotiya Hiking area
A short hike takes you to the gorgeous view point and rappelling surface, locally known as ‘Cheel Daant’ and a longer, more strenuous trek takes you through the jungle to caves and rock shelters called ‘Imli wala Chajja’. If you’re game, these and many more hidden trekking trails in Kathotiya are waiting for you to explore them. What more can you ask for!
Read More Stories from Kathotiya
About Kathotiya – The Hidden Jewel of MP’s Forests
TRIBES OF KATHOTIYA – UNFAZED EXISTENCE IN A LAND BEYOND TIME
