Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) बड़ा किल्किला, बादामी कौड़िल्ला

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) बड़ा किल्किला, बादामी कौड़िल्ला - Birds Around Me 0239

- June 11, 2025

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) बड़ा किल्किला, बादामी कौड़िल्ला
Jabalpur, M.P., India
April 2025

The Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis), known as बड़ा किल्किला or बादामी कौड़िल्ला in Hindi, is a large and striking kingfisher found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unlike smaller kingfishers, this species prefers wooded areas near rivers, lakes, and coastal regions rather than diving into open water.

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) बड़ा किल्किला, बादामी कौड़िल्ला
Jabalpur, M.P., India
April 2025

Key Features:

Size: One of the largest kingfishers, measuring 35 cm (14 in) in length.
Appearance:

Olive-brown head with a buff-colored neck and underparts.
Bright blue wings and tail, making it stand out in flight.
Massive red bill, resembling a stork’s beak—hence the name!

Behavior:

Often perches quietly, scanning for prey.
Hunts fish, frogs, crabs, and even small rodents or birds.
Territorial, sometimes chasing away larger birds like eagles.

Call:

A far-reaching whistle “peu-peu-pow” during breeding season.
A loud, laughing “ka-ka-ka” repeated several times.

Habitat: Prefers large streams, rivers, and vegetated water bodies.

This kingfisher is a fantastic find for amateur birders, thanks to its bold colors, large size, and distinctive calls. If you're near a wooded wetland, keep an eye out for its powerful flight and bright red bill!

Hindi name of Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis): बड़ा किल्किला, बादामी कौड़िल्ला

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Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe