The Banded Kingfisher Has Flamboyant Colors and an Interesting Latin Name Origin
The banded kingfisher stands out fast, with its vivid colors, puffy head, and sharp contrast between males and females. This tree kingfisher lives in the lowland tropical forests of Southeast Asia, and it is the only species in the genus Lacedo.
At about eight inches long, it has a sturdy red bill and a short crest it can raise or lower. The species is especially striking because the adult male and female look completely different, and the bird’s colors become even more vivid as it matures.
From its unusual Latin name to its unusual habits, this bird has plenty going on. Here’s the full story.
The Banded Kingfisher is Approximately Eight Inches Long
Males and Females Have Different Colors
Banded Kingfishers Are Hunters
They mainly eat large insects and occasionally small lizards. Their favorite hunting grounds are typically the trees, but they will sometimes hunt at ground level.
They build nests in holes of rotting trees and sometimes use tree termite nests. The females lay anywhere from two to five white eggs.
The bird's Latin name is Lacedo pulchella, which has a very interesting origin. The word Lacedo is an anagram of Alcedo, the Latin word for kingfisher.
The specific name pulchella is Latin for "very pretty."
They Generally Prefer Altitudes Up to 3,500 Feet
Banded Kingfishers Can Be Found in Lowland Tropical Forests of Southeast Asia
Their breeding season occurs between February and May. During this time, male and female birds pair up to breed.
It is unknown whether they form long-term breeding pairs, as they live alone for most of the year, only coming together for breeding purposes.
The exact lifespan of this species is unknown; however, the average lifespan for kingfishers is five to ten years, so their life expectancy likely falls within this range.
It’s the same kind of comeback story as the Eastern indigo snake seen again in Alabama after 60 years.
Banded Kingfishers Mainly Eat Large Insects
The Bird's Latin Name Is Lacedo Pulchella. Pulchella Is Latin for "Very Pretty."
Their Breeding Season Occurs Between February and May
It Is Unknown If They Have Long-Term Partners Because They Live Alone for Most of the Year
Watch Them on Video Here:
Another interesting fact is that, unlike other kingfishers, banded kingfishers generally do not live near water. When they do, it is not because of food, as they prey on insects rather than fish.
These birds communicate with a long, whistling call and will often respond to recordings or imitations of their call, making them very easy to locate.
After this bird’s hunting style, check out the bald eagle that snatched fish from Alaskan waters.
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