Braggart of Bharatpur: White-throated Kingfisher

White-throated Kingfisher

A White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) trying to show that it has the hunting prowess to match its breathtaking beauty. Breaking the kingfisher mould, it has evolved into hunting insects, reptiles, rodents, amphibians and even smaller birds, and, that too, in wooded habitats. Notwithstanding its wild habits, it is a member of the genus Halcyon, the mythical bird which is said to have nested on the sea and had the power to calm the waves.