Head to head
Pied Kingfisher vs Common Kingfisher
The pied kingfisher and common kingfisher share much of the same range across Africa and Asia, but they hunt in almost entirely different ways.
| Pied Kingfisher | Common Kingfisher | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Ceryle rudis | Alcedo atthis |
| Plumage | Black and white | Vivid blue and orange |
| Hunting style | Hovers before diving | Dives from a fixed perch |
| Social behaviour | Highly social | Largely solitary |
| Native range | Africa, Asia | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Wetlands, coastal | Wetlands, coastal |
Pied Kingfisher vs Common Kingfisher: common questions
How does the pied kingfisher hunt differently from the common kingfisher?
The pied kingfisher hovers in mid-air over open water before dropping straight down onto a fish, while the common kingfisher dives head-first from a fixed perch, a more typical kingfisher hunting style.
How can you tell a pied kingfisher from a common kingfisher?
Plumage is the clearest giveaway: the pied kingfisher has striking black and white colouring, while the common kingfisher has vivid blue and orange plumage typical of many other kingfisher species.
Is the pied kingfisher more social than the common kingfisher?
Yes, the pied kingfisher is unusually social for a kingfisher, often hunting and roosting in groups, while the common kingfisher lives a largely solitary lifestyle typical of most other kingfisher species.