Common Kingfisher - Neela Ponman ( നീല പൊൻമാൻ )
Common Kingfisher ( Alcedo atthis ) Meenkothi Common Kingfisher - Neela Ponman ( നീല പൊൻമാൻ ) The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also known as the Eurasian Kingfisher, ‘Cheriya Meenkothi’ or ‘Neela Ponman” in Malayalam vernacular is a small kingfisher widely distributed n Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but also migrate from areas where rivers freeze in winter. The bird inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. It frequents scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries and along rocky seashores. The adult bird is about 16 cm long with a wingspan of 25 cm. The bird has blue upperparts, a greenish-blue neck stripe, white neck blaze and throat, rufous underparts, and a black bill with some red at the base. The legs and feet are bright red. The female is identical in appearance to t...