The Kingfishers of India

Kingfishers are striking birds, and their robustness in adapting has ensured that they have spread to every continent on the planet, except for Antarctica.

The original blue colour is the most frequent association, however, they come in different forms and sizes, and are spread across various habitats across the world.

Contrary to popular belief, they do not only survive around water bodies and feed on fish, but they can also live in woodlands and around agricultural areas, feeding on different types of invertebrates.

One of the most interesting things about the Kingfisher is their adaptations, we take a look at some of them.

Species of Kingfishers in the World : 87

Species of Kingfishers in India : 12

Adaptations of the Kingfisher :

• An adaptation in their lenses allows them to pinpoint prey even underwater, judging the accuracy of depth despite the refraction of light.
• A sliver of membrane slides across its eyes as it dives in, thereby avoiding water entering their eyes. It is called the nictitating membrane.
• With fish, Kingfishers beat their prey against their nearest branch or roosting area to shatter the bones. Fish is swallowed head-first, bones curved away, to prevent them from being hurt due to it.
• The shape of the sharp beak and head are aerodynamically perfect, helping them dive quicker with greater accuracy. In fact, the inspiration behind the aerodynamic design of the “Bullet Train” has been inspired by the motion and natural engineering of the Kingfisher.