Pied Kingfisher
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Kingfishers

Pied Kingfisher

Ceryle rudis

LCLeast Concern
Family
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
Order
Coraciiformes

Overview

The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a species of water kingfisher widely distributed across Africa and Asia. Originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, it has five recognised subspecies, and is the only member of the genus Ceryle. Its black-and white-plumage and crest, as well as its habit of hovering over clear lakes and rivers before diving for fish, make it distinctive. Males have a double band across the breast, while females have a single broken breast band.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where to see it

Destination guides featuring this bird

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.