Kingfishers

With over 90 species of Kingfishers spread across the tropical and temperate regions of the world, India is home to about 12 species. These bright plumaged stubby birds with their straight, pointed dagger-like bill, occur in a wide range of habitats and are most commonly associated with rivers, streams and lakes.  There are some kingfisher species found in forested habitats away from water too. Also one that thrives in the driest desert of Australia !

I have composed the kingfishers in a misty morning with the dead logs adding to the typical Kabini set up. In the painting, the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and the stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) perch on the dead wooden logs, patiently waiting for their prey; while a pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) hovers over the still waters  to make a dive for its prey.