The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a striking water kingfisher, known for its black and white plumage and distinctive crest. It is a medium-sized bird, approximately 25 cm in length, with a white face featuring a black mask and a white supercilium. The male is characterized by a double band across the breast, while the female sports a single, often broken, breast band.
When identifying the pied kingfisher, look for its unique black and white barred pattern and prominent crest. The male's double breast band and the female's single broken band are key differentiators between the sexes. The subspecies vary slightly in size and coloration, with some having larger bills or reduced white in their plumage.
This kingfisher is commonly found perched along the edges of clear lakes and rivers, where it can easily spot and dive for fish.
The pied kingfisher is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, from Turkey to India and China. It is a resident species, with most populations not engaging in long migrations.
