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Common Name : Stork-billed Kingfisher     -       Scientific Name : Pelargopsis capensis       -       Other Name : Maha Pilihuduwa (S)
Eluwankulama
08/27/2015
Eluwankulama
08/27/2015
Eluwankulama
08/27/2015

This is a breeding resident found through out the lowlands up to mid hills. Globally it is found in the tropical Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species through out the lowlands. This is not a commonly seen bird but most wetlands and water bodies are usually inhabited by one or two individulas of this species. The continuous call of this species is a familiar feature during sunrise at most dry zone tanks. Often I have spotted the author of the call perched on the large trees growing on the bunds of these tanks. The highest altitude at which I have seen this species so far has been at Udawattakele in Kandy at 472 meters. I have seen this kingfisher at Vidaththalthivu but am yet to see it in the Jaffna peninsula or the Mannar Island.

This is not a commonly seen species at Wilpattu but its call can be heard at many of the tanks and Villus.