The white-throated kingfisher, also known as the white-breasted kingfisher is a tree kingfisher, widely distributed in Asia from the Sinai east through the Indian subcontinent to the Philippines. This kingfisher is a resident over much of its range, although some populations may make short distance movements.
Similar species: Kingfisher, Bee-eater, Rollers
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"For a White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), nothing creates romance better than offering your mate a succulent snack. As carnivorous generalist feeders, kingfishers eat a variety of prey. They savor lizards, relish fish, feast on snakes, delight in insects and crustaceans, and are quite fond of mice. They are a monogamous species, and courtship commences when a male presents a female with a food offering that she devours with glee. This ritual, called courtship feeding, is akin to the birds announcing their engagement. Courtship feeding is a critical factor in nesting success as the added nutrition greatly augments the female's energy supply and ability to lay healthy eggs. After several weeks, the couple will begin digging their nest with the male doing most of the work. Their nest can be up to a meter deep with a long, inclined tunnel leading to an inner chamber. Once the nest is complete, they consummate their relationship by mating, which only takes about seven seconds. Afterwards, in celebration of their union, the male performs some fancy flying displays as he soars, spins, spirals, and glides through the air with his mate sitting nearby to watch the show. With his patience, dedication, hard work, and flare for the dramatic, the male White-throated Kingfisher is every inch a king! {Spotted in Israel by JungleDragon user, Shimi Eni) #JungleDragon" Posted 6 years ago