A stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) perches on the topmost branch of a tree, calling out as it looks around and tilts its head in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on September 4, 2026. The stork-billed kingfisher is a tree kingfisher found sparsely across the tropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia. It is one of the largest kingfishers in the world, measuring about 35 to 41 cm (14 to 16 inches) in length. This kingfisher is an important indicator of healthy tropical ecosystems. It is very territorial and solitary, often sitting completely still for long periods while watching for prey. As a large carnivore, it regulates populations of fish, frogs, crabs, small rodents, small reptiles, and sometimes hunts young birds in mangrove habitats and freshwater. Its reliance on dense riverbank vegetation and clean waterways signals a functional ecosystem. This species features a striking reddish-orange bill, grey-brown head, pale buff underparts, and vibrant blue wings, making it a highlight for ecotourism and conservation. However, deforestation, wetland degradation, and agricultural runoff threaten local populations, particularly in western India.
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