White_Throated_Kingfisher

It perches conspicuously on wires or other exposed perches within its territory, and is a frequent sight in south Asia. This species mainly hunts large crustaceans, insects, earthworms,rodents, snakes, fish and frogs. Predation of small birds such as the Indian white-eye, chick of a red-wattled lapwing, sparrows and munias have been reported.The young are fed mostly on invertebrates. In captivity, it has been noted that it rarely drinks water although bathing regularly.With a powerful bill and rapid flight, these kingfishers have few predators when healthy and rare cases of predation by a black kite and a jungle crow may be of sick or injured birds.An individual found dead with its beak embedded into the wood of a tree has been suggested as an accident during rapid pursuit of prey, possibly an Indian white-eye.A few parasites have been noted.In the 1800s these birds were hunted for their bright feathers that were used to adorn hats.It is the State bird of West Bengal.

Collected.