Halcyon leucocephala
Grey-headed Kingfisher
A medium-sized (about 21 cm) kingfisher with an ashy-grey head and breast, chestnut belly, sapphire-blue tail and flight feathers, and a bright vermilion bill. In The Gambia it favours dry and moist woodland, especially riverine woodland, and has been recorded breeding in riverbanks.
Identification
Distinguished from the similarly-sized Blue-breasted Kingfisher by its grey (not blue) head and breast and smaller, all-red bill; an ascending-then-descending song and sharp alarm call also aid identification.
Want to see the Grey-headed Kingfisher?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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A fully guided private birding tour combining the best of coastal and inland Gambia with the forests, wetlands and wildlife-rich landscapes of Eastern Senegal, including Niokolo-Koba National Park. Designed for serious birders seeking Gambian specialities, Sahelian species, woodland birds and waterbirds, at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
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A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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