Sanjeev Madhu

Brownish-chestnut crown; iridescent purple back, rump; deep purplish-blue of closed wings often hides the back; deep blue and white spots on neck sides and short, chestnut tail; orangish-yellow underbody and large, bright coral-red beak striking. Sexes alike. Solitary, or in pairs; tiny forest bird, usually overlooked when perched on stumps or tangled roots along nullahs and mud walls, often by forest path or road. Small, short-tailed and vividlv-coloured kingfisher. Brilliant ultramarine blue upperparts and rufous-red underparts; rufous loral spot; bright blue line down centre of back; stronger blue and black barring on crown; blue ear-coverts; creamy-white throat and neck patch; wing-coverts spangled lighter blue. Dark wings. Solitary and verts shy: sits patiently near bobs head and Hicks tail; dives to eaten t^WT’ BLUE-