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Pied Kingfisher

Ceryle rudis
Alcedinidae Low risk

The pied kingfisher is a species of water kingfisher widely distributed across Africa and Asia. Originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, it has five recognised subspecies, and is the only member of the genus Ceryle. Its black-and white-plumage and crest, as well as its habit of hovering over clear lakes and rivers before diving for fish, make it distinctive. Males have a double band across the breast, while females have a single broken breast band. They are usually found in pairs or small family groups. When perched, they often bob their heads and flick up their tails.

Summary from Wikipedia

Listen song · CC BY-SA
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Anne Ndung'u · xeno-canto 513883

In Türkiye

Seasonal status
Year-round

Recorded in Türkiye throughout the year.

Most records in December–January.

Where it stands out
ŞanlıurfaAdanaOsmaniyeŞırnakDiyarbakır

Provinces where it makes up the largest share of bird records.

Records by month

Adjusted for how many birdwatchers are out each month; the busiest month = 100%.

3,258 records from Türkiye · #210 of 634 species by number of records. Source: GBIF.org (October 2026). All birds of Türkiye

At a glance

Family
Alcedinidae
Group
Rollers, Kingfishers, and Allies
Conservation status
Low risk

The pied kingfisher is black-and-white and one of the few birds able to hover steadily over water before diving.

Similar birds

All birds

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