Author(s):

Ann Maria KJ and Kezia Kuruvilla

Abstract: Palakkal kole land provides a suitable habitat for arboreal aquatic foragers like kingfishers. This study showed the presence of six different kingfishers, with relative abundance of Halcyon smyrnensis fusca. This was followed by Ceryle rudis in their number. Both these birds were present in the study area throughout the year. Halcyon pileata, Alcedo atthis, Alcedo meninting and Pelargopsis capensis were also reported from the area. The white-throated kingfishers feed on diverse prey items by the sit and wait method and preferred a height of 4-7 m for perching. Water dive was the most common foraging technique used by the bird, but ground dive was found to be more successful. Perching time of up to thirty minutes was observed in 55.40% and between thirty and sixty minutes by 39.19%. 5.41% showed a waiting period of sixty to ninety minutes. Larger prey was immobilized before swallowing by battering it on the branches.

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