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White-throated Kingfisher

Halcyon smyrnensis
Alcedinidae Low risk

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 China and Indonesia. This kingfisher is a resident over much of its range, although some populations may make short distance movements. It can often be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds. During the breeding season they call loudly in the mornings from prominent perches including the tops of buildings in urban areas or on wires.

Summary from Wikipedia

Listen call, breeding call · CC0
0:00 / 0:00
Sathyan Meppayur · xeno-canto 603361

In Türkiye

Seasonal status
Year-round

Recorded in Türkiye throughout the year.

Where it stands out
OsmaniyeAdanaHatayMersinMuğla

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%.

3,816 records from Türkiye · #190 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 white-throated kingfisher is a large red-billed blue-and-brown kingfisher fond of land prey like insects and lizards, found in SE Turkey.

Similar birds

All birds

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