Brown Winged Kingfisher

The Brown-winged Kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera) is a striking and elusive bird that graces the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. With its rich brown wings, vibrant orange beak, and bright blue-green rump patch, this large kingfisher is a visual delight for bird enthusiasts. Endemic to the coastal regions along the Bay of Bengal, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand, it finds its stronghold in the Sundarbans, which hosts the largest population of this species globally. 

Preferring dense mangrove habitats, the Brown-winged Kingfisher is often found along shaded waterways and tidal creeks, where it feeds on small crabs and fish during low tide. Its loud, fluid whistles and harsh grating rattles echo through the forest, yet it remains shy and seldom seen in the open. As a resident species, it does not migrate, making the conservation of its mangrove habitat crucial for its survival. Currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, the Brown-winged Kingfisher serves as both a symbol of the Sundarbans' rich biodiversity and a reminder of the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.