image credit: Rahul Rallan
 
image credit: PAULO.COTERIANO
image credit: somchai@2008
Habitat: Eurasia; from Bulgaria, Turkey, east through South Asia to the Philippines
Status: Least Concern

A beautiful bird, the White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is a common sight of a variety of habitats – especially in south Asia. They are usually found conspicuously perched on exposed branches, wires, or whatever they can get their long talons on. 
Personally, I think they just want to show off those gorgeous turquoise feathers…. I know I would!

View more photos and some HD footage of the White-throated Kingfisher after the jump!

image credit: Nachiketa Bajaj