4 kingfisher species sighted in Krishna sanctuary

Four kingfisher bird species thriving in Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh were recently sighted. The species have been identified are Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileate) and Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis).

Key Facts

In India, 12 species of kingfisher bird can be sighted. The four sighted in sanctuary are wetland dependents. The wetland ecosystem is prime attraction for them. The conservation status of four sighted species is “least concern”. These birds are thriving as sanctuary is ideal habitation for prey.
Kingfisher belongs to family of small to medium-sized, brightly colored birds in order Coraciiformes. The family contains 114 species and is divided into three subfamilies and 19 genera. All kingfishers spices have large heads, long, sharp, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. Most kingfishers spices species have bright plumage with only small differences between sexes.

Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

It is wildlife sanctuary and estuary located in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of rarest eco-regions of world because it harbour’s vast tracts of pristine mangrove forests. It is believed to be one of last remaining tracts of thick primary mangrove forests of South India. It covers area of 194.81 km2 and is spread across Krishna and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh. The estuary of Krishna River passes through it. It is believed that this region potentially holds one most significant populations of fishing cats in the world.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2018