KOCHI: A three-toed Forest Kingfisher, one of the most colourful birds found in Kerala, was spotted at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad, last week. Ornithologist Salim Ali had spotted the bird in the Ashambu Hills near Kanyakumari in 1933 at a height of around 2,000 ft. The spotting of the Forest Kingfisher ( Ceyx erithaca) was also recorded in his book ‘Birds of Kerala,' said R. Sugathan, ornithologist.
Ornithologists had identified the bird at the sanctuary in 1995. It was subsequently located near a stream close to the watchtower of the sanctuary two weeks ago. Ornithologists could photograph the bird last week, Dr. Sugathan said. It is probably a more colourful bird than the peacock. It can grow up to 13 cm in length from the bill to tail. It is also the smallest kingfisher found in Kerala.
The birds are mostly found near forest streams and locating them is not easy, he said.
As the bird was repeatedly located near the stream, there is the probability of finding it there again.
Studies could be carried out regarding its population and distribution, ornithologists said.
Source:The Hindu, 13-10-2010
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