TREE KINGFISHER Meaning and
Definition
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A tree kingfisher refers to a group of small to medium-sized birds belonging to the family Alcedinidae, specifically the subfamily Halcyoninae. These colorful and charismatic birds inhabit various forested habitats, from dense rainforests to mangroves and woodlands, predominantly found in the regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Tree kingfishers are renowned for their distinctive morphological characteristics and behavior.
These birds typically possess a stocky build, a short tail, and a long, sturdy bill, adapted specifically for their piscivorous diet, primarily consisting of fish. With their vibrant plumage, which may exhibit a range of colors such as blue, green, orange, or red, tree kingfishers are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. They also feature a prominent crest or tuft of feathers atop their heads, enhancing their overall appearance.
As their name suggests, tree kingfishers primarily inhabit the trees, where their long and pointed wings allow them to swiftly maneuver through the foliage in search of prey. They are known to skillfully hover over or perch on branches to spot their next meal below the water's surface before diving in to snatch it with precision. In addition to fish, tree kingfishers also feed on crustaceans, small reptiles, amphibians, insects, and occasionally even small birds.
Tree kingfishers generally construct their nests within tree cavities or burrows dug in banks near water bodies. These nests are lined with grass, leaves, and other vegetation to provide a comfortable environment for the eggs and the hatchlings. The female typically lays a clutch of 2-7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The chicks are altricial, meaning they are born helpless and rely on their parents
Etymology of TREE KINGFISHER
The term "tree kingfisher" is not a specific, formally recognized word or phrase in English. However, it can be inferred that the etymology of the term would relate to the combination of the words "tree" and "kingfisher".
"Tree" derives from the Old English word "trēow" or "trēo", which means "tree" or "wood", ultimately originating from the Proto-Germanic word "*treuwaz". Similarly, "kingfisher" was formed by combining "king" and "fisher". "King" comes from the Old English word "cyning", which means "ruler" or "leader", while "fisher" is derived from the Old English word "fiscere", meaning "fisherman" or "angler".
