The blue-eared kingfisher (Alcedo meninting) is found in Asia, ranging across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is found mainly in dense shaded forests where it hunts in small streams. It is darker crowned, with darker rufous underparts and lacking the rufous ear stripe of the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) which is found in more open habitats. A number of subspecies have been described that differ in measurement and colour shade. Adult males have an all dark bill while females have a reddish lower mandible.
This 16 centimetres (6.3 in) long kingfisher is almost identical to the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) but is distinguished by the blue ear coverts, darker and more intense cobalt-blue upperparts with richer rufous under parts. The juvenile blue-eared kingfisher has rufous ear-coverts as in the common kingfisher but it usually shows some mottling on the throat and upper breast which disappears when the bird reaches adulthood. Young birds have a reddish bill with whitish tips.
What an experience to get so close to this little kingfisher.
I like the dark BG that showcases this little beauty very nicely. KF looks great.
I wish the perch was a lot prettier. All those broken off branch ends pull the eye away from the KF.
I would clone out the white OOF branches in LLC and touch up the funky highlights in the eye.
I see some ? linear artifacts on the RHS of frame by the perch that I would clean up. I have made a lot of points but I think that overall you have a nice image.
Gail
Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting)
Reply With Quote
