Mangroves of Goa have a rich faunal diversity and are home to some of the most spectacular species of Kngfishers of the world. The black-capped kingfisher (Halcyon pileata) which belongs to the tree kingfisher family Halcyonidae, is widely distributed throughout tropical Asia from India east to Southeast Asia. They are usually residents in many parts of their range, but northern populations from India are known to migrate towards Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo and Java. The Population on the western coast of India however does not migrate and are residents all throughout the year.
This species has a distinct black cap that contrasts with the whitish throat, purple blue wings and the large bill and legs. Sexes in this species are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult and show streaks on the throat. They have a distinct call which is a cackling “ki-ki-ki-ki-ki”. They usually prefer small crabs as food but also are known to eat worms, snails, shrimps, frogs, lizards, small fish and sometimes other small birds as well. The bird sits silently for long periods waiting for its prey and when it spots something, it glides down to catch it and then flies back to the perch.
The Black-capped Kingfisher, like the Collared Kingfisher of Goa along with a few other birds is almost a celebrity in the Birding scene of India. People from all over the country come to Goa to catch a glimpse of this elusive jewel within the mangroves of Zuari River.
Black-capped Kingfisher can be spotted in Goa in Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Zuari estuary, Dhado wetland and Chapora estuary. They are very sensitive and shy birds and will abandon their perch instantly when they sense human presence.
Even though International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed this species as least concerned with respect to conservation priority, worldwide their population is declining due to destruction of mangroves and pollution at the estuaries. Various patches of mangroves in Goa are under threat and need to be conserved for the Black-capped Kingfisher and all the other inhabitants of this unique system.
Image by: Amol Kale
