Striped Kingfisher

Halcyon chelicuti (Stanley, 1814)

Striped Kingfisher, Halcyon chelicuti, is a kingfisher that breeds widely across Africa. It belongs to the family Alcedinidae and the order Coraciiformes. First described by Stanley in 1814, it is a tree kingfisher. It is strongly territorial, driving away its own kind as well as shrikes, doves and rollers. A territory can cover up to three hectares and include 100 tall trees. The bird watches over its area from a treetop, and sings at intervals from before dawn until after midday.

Order

Coraciiformes

Family

Alcedinidae — Kingfishers

Breeding range

Africa: widespread