THE KING OF FISHERS … After a successful plunge-dive for hunting, this White-throated kingfisher was spotted shaking off water before beginning its meal at the National Botanical Garden in Dhaka. Widely distributed in Asia, this kingfisher species is a resident over much of its range, though some may make short migrations. It is one of the few wild species that saw success in adapting to urbanisation – as long as there are trees around. Unlike other kingfishers, despite the name, these brids don’t feed on fish alone and are classified as omnivores. Anything it can spear with its razor-sharp bill may become food – large insects, lizards, crabs, earthworms and sometimes even small birds! And so, finding a habitat around water is not very necessary for them. In fact, their habitats can be in dry, deciduous forests, parks, gardens, wooded areas near open grass patches, while also near water bodies such as canals, rivers, or mangroves. With few predators recorded and an expanding population, White-throated kingfishers are listed in the “Least Concern” category by the IUCN.
PHOTO: TIMU HOSSAIN
Bikers drive their vehicles on the footpath to beat traffic congestion, leaving little space for pedestrians to walk. The photo was taken from Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in the capital’s Banglamotor area yesterday.
Photo: Amran Hossain
