We are all very familiar with the Common Kingfisher found here in the UK but you may not be aware that it is a common bird in other parts of the world; Europe, North Africa and Asia as far as Japan and Indonesia. However there are several sub-species in these more southern areas. In Sri Lanka, the sub-species is "bengalensis". I was told that they are common in Sri Lanka and not as shy They are said to be slightly smaller and more brightly coloured than the nominate race here in the UK and although this was not immediately evident, I think that I could see this in the birds that I saw. It was also interesting to hear that their call was identical to the birds that I am very familiar with here in the UK. The light is far far better in Sri Lanka and I took these in-flight shots with no difficulty whatsoever.
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