Wildlife Spotted: Collared Kingfisher

Swoop, splash. The Kingfisher dives to the water and comes back up with a fish in its beak, pretty smooth for a small bird. This is a common sight at the Kallang River, where fish is abundant and the calm water makes it easy to spot prey. I usually spot them perching on a branch that overlooks the water surface, calming looking out either for prey or for danger. If I’m lucky, I get to see them in action. Want to know more about these birds? Let’s find out!

Long beak, colorful bodies

Shorter than a long ruler, the Collared Kingfisher is a small bird best known for its long beak and beautiful blue features on its head and wings. They seem to be solitary birds and I usually spot only one at a time (or maybe it’s the same bird all the time :)). If you look closely, you can see that their beaks are usually spotted with blue as well, although with a different shade from its body. I guess the bird does not really need to camouflage.

They are different from the other species of kingfishers found in Singapore - the Common Kingfisher, which has a more color body with brown and greenish wings. Collared Kingfishers are usually slightly taller than the Commons, making them easier to spot among the trees or the railings along a river.

Fish only?

Despite its name, the Collared Kingfisher eats a bunch of stuff other than fish. They can eat lizards, small insects, earthworms and even crustaceans like small crabs. They have an interesting way to prepare their meal and usually smash their prey against branches or the tree to kill it before swallowing them. Given their diet they do not have any problems finding food in Singapore, since we have more than enough insects and lizards to go around!

Bad neighbours?

These Collared guys also have no problems nesting in Singapore and prefer tree holes or similar places that provide shelter and warmth. Their colours make them seem friendly but they are actually territorial and loud, which explains why you usually only see one bird at a time.

Since we are not Collareds, these birds are actually good neighbours because they eat our pests. Them being around also means the fish population in our rivers stay at a healthy level.

So the next time you are out near the water, look out for these colourful birds, you may just spot one with a fish in its beak!