White-throated kingfisher \ Halcyon smyrnensis

(الرفراف أبيض الحلق)

The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is a striking bird native to South Asia and parts of the Middle East. Characterized by its vibrant blue and chestnut plumage, accented by a distinctive white throat and bright red bill, this kingfisher is a sight to behold. It typically resides in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, often perching on branches or wires overlooking water bodies where it hunts for its prey. With remarkable patience and precision, it dives swiftly into the water to catch small fish, crustaceans, and even insects, showcasing its remarkable hunting skills. Its loud, melodious call echoes through its habitat, adding to its charismatic presence. The White-throated Kingfisher is not only a marvel of nature but also an integral part of the ecosystems it inhabits, contributing to the balance and diversity of its surroundings.

الرفراف أبيض الحلق هو طائر لافت ينتشر في جنوب آسيا وأجزاء من الشرق الأوسط، ويتميّز بألوانه الزاهية التي تجمع بين الأزرق اللامع والبني الكستنائي، مع حلق أبيض واضح ومنقار أحمر قوي. ويعيش في موائل متنوعة تشمل الأحراج، والمروج، والأراضي الرطبة، وغالبًا ما يُشاهَد واقفًا على الأغصان أو الأسلاك قرب المسطحات المائية أو المناطق المفتوحة

وعلى الرغم من اسمه، لا يعتمد هذا النوع على الأسماك وحدها، بل يتغذى على الأسماك الصغيرة، والقشريات، والحشرات، والزواحف الصغيرة، وأحيانًا البرمائيات. ويصطاد بصبر ودقة، مراقبًا محيطه من مجثم مكشوف قبل أن ينقض بسرعة على الفريسة. كما أن نداءه العالي الواضح يضيف إلى حضوره القوي في موائله. وبفضل مظهره المميز ودوره في تنظيم أعداد الفرائس الصغيرة، يُعَدّ صياد السمك أبيض الحلق من الطيور الجميلة والمهمة داخل النظم البيئية التي يعيش فيها

Field Encounter

Aammiq Wetland - Lebanon - December - 2023

Ever since my years in Lebanon, the White-throated Kingfisher was a difficult bird for me to photograph. I would see it flying fast across the wetlands, its sharp call echoing across the habitat as if letting everyone know, “I’m here.”

At Aammiq Wetland, there was a small island in the middle of the water. During winter, the path leading to it was completely flooded. Every week from October through December, I put on my waders, crossed the cold water, and set up my seat, sometimes sitting half-submerged in water close to freezing.

Week after week, my attempts failed.

Then, on 31 December, it finally happened. A White-throated Kingfisher flew in and landed on a branch just a few metres from me.

While everyone else was preparing to celebrate the New Year, I was sitting half-submerged in freezing water, waiting for a bird.