Precision Divers-Kingfishers
Beyond the Light, Ultra, Strong, Premium, and Draught, there exists the true world of the Kingfishers – the vibrant and diverse bird species that grace our planet with their colours and incredible fishing skills.
It's quite a sight witnessing a burst of colour suddenly dive into a pond and emerging with a fish in the mouth. Kingfishers have a very high strike rate; more often than not, if you catch sight of one plunging into water, it will resurface with a catch. Often it returns to the same perch. With a bit of patience and quiet persistence, you can catch them in action. There’s something deeply serene and meditative about their approach, it gently draws you into their quiet, graceful world.
Common Kingfisher Uttarakhand, India, November 2014
The Common Kingfisher, as its name suggests, is one of the most widely recognised kingfishers across Europe and Asia, including India. Often referred to as the ‘jewel of the river’, it’s always a delight to spot one and even more captivating to watch it in action.
Nature has equipped Kingfishers with a remarkable set of features that make them highly adept at fishing, Specialised beak, excellent vision, aerial skills, cervical Flexibility, Strong Neck Muscles, Hunting Behaviour. Kingfishers employ a sit-and-wait strategy, perching near water bodies, observing for fish movement, and then making high-speed dives when they detect a target.
White-Throated Kingfisher Bharatpur, India, February 2016
The most common kingfisher in India is the White-throated Kingfisher, found across the entire subcontinent. Its vivid colors and unmistakable call make it a familiar presence in both urban and rural landscapes. In fact, I can hear one calling near my house even as I write this.
Across different cultures, kingfishers are seen as symbols of peace, prosperity, and good luck while in some traditions, as emblems of courage, adventure, and balance. In Native American symbolism, the kingfisher is often associated with powerful magic, vision, and shamanic healing. Its ability to move seamlessly between air and water, makes it a symbol of balance and transformation. The kingfisher is also seen as a messenger, often appearing at moments of inner clarity or important transition.
Giant Kingfisher Lake Naivasha, Kenya, July 2015
The Giant Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher species in Africa and a truly impressive bird. Males have a rich chestnut breast band and a white belly, while the females quite the opposite adorn a spotted white chest and a chestnut-coloured belly.
Kingfishers have been featured in art, literature, and mythology for centuries. They appear in paintings, poems, and stories as symbols of beauty and inspiration. In Egypt, kingfishers were a common sight along the Nile River, which, as with many rivers, was vital to Egyptian civilisation. As a result, kingfishers appear in numerous early Egyptian paintings and carvings, reflecting the deep connection between the water bodies, their ecosystems and human culture. They have also found their way into Japanese fairy tales and Greek mythology. The presence of these beauties continues to indicate the health of the ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and human communities.
Collared Kingfisher Andaman, India, January 2019
Collared Kingfisher is often associated with mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and coastal estuaries. Its presence is a key indicator of healthy mangrove ecosystems.
Most kingfisher species are highly territorial birds. They fiercely defend their hunting grounds and nesting sites from intruders, often using loud calls and aggressive displays to ward off rivals.
Grey-headed Kingfisher Lake Bagoria, Kenya, July 2015
In contrast, to the territorial traits of the Kingfishers, the Grey-headed Kingfisher exhibits a very different lifestyle. Rather than defending a fixed territory, this species is known for its nomadic habits.
Sacred Kingfisher New Zealand, 2015
Maori name for kingfisher is New Zealand is kotare and is quite admired for being a watchful guard. In fact both times that I saw the Sacred Kingfisher was in a still pose without moving at all, like a guard.
Black-capped Kingfisher Sunderbans, India, February 2017
Sundarbans is a home to 8 of the 12 kingfishers species found in India. The estuarine and brackish waters of the Sundarbans are rich in aquatic life, supporting both fish-eating species and those that prefer insects and crabs. Among them, the Black-capped Kingfisher, with its diverse and adaptable diet, thrives in the Sundarbans' rich and varied ecosystem.
Crested Kingfisher Nachini, India, November 2014
Many kingfishers dig a tunnel into a riverbank to create its nest. One such species, though lesser known, is the largest kingfisher found in India - the Crested Kingfisher. The crest can be raised or lowered and is often more prominent in males. Crested kingfisher favours fast-flowing rivers and streams, where it perches silently on overhanging branches or rocks before diving powerfully to catch fish.
Pied Kingfisher Lake Baringo, Kenya 2015
Unlike other kingfishers, the Pied is often seen hovering steadily in one place over water, a unique hunting behaviour among its kind. Once it spots a fish, it executes a swift, precise vertical dive to catch its prey. Its ability to hover allows it to scan the water carefully before diving, giving it an edge in catching fish even in murky or fast-moving waters.
Overall, the cultural importance of Kingfishers varies across different societies, but their beauty, hunting behaviour, and association with water have made them fascinating and meaningful creatures in many human cultures. Kingfishers have been prized subject for bird photographers across the world.
© Harmeet Basur
All photographs have been clicked by Harmeet Basur