Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) in Vechoor, Kerala, India. February 2015. Not baited. Not called in.

We started Valentine's Day 2015 with a morning birding cruise, on a super small boat led by a very nice local guide. Going through the backwaters, we spotted this Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis). On this picture you can easily see why it is named like that. Compared to other kingfishers, such as the White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) that we spotted few minutes before, its bill is massive! The Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) is more rare so much harder to spot. We were really glad to see one so close.

Birding in Kerala was an incredible experience. I really hope to go back someday.

Love Nature.
Jonathan