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Recordings
Scientific Name
Alcedo atthis
Arabic Name
القرلي الشائع
Kuwaiti name
خضيري الأسياف
Family
Width
26.0 cm
Length
17.0 cm
Information
Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. A brilliantly-coloured small bird that usually sits quietly overlooking the water. It is usually seen along the coast, even in sewage outfalls where schools of tiny fish gather.
Where in Kuwait
Almost always seen near water, whether it be in secluded outfalls or inland pools in the Jahra area. It has been recorded as far south as Khiran. It is a small colourful bird with a beautiful and iridescent plumage which makes it instantly recognisable.
In the world
It has an extremely large range with an apparent stable population and it is found across Europe, and in most of Asia, reaching as far east as Japan. It also occurs in Africa south of the Sahara. Famous for perching on branches, reeds or even fences, this species can also hover just above the water before diving in for its prey.
Local threats
Human disturbance, loss of habitat and indiscriminate shooting