The Pied Kingfisher is found widely distributed across Africa and Asia.
Their black and white plumage, crest and the habit of hovering over clear lakes and rivers before diving for fish makes it distinctive.
Males have a double band across the breast while females have a single gorget that is often broken in the middle.
They are usually found in pairs or small family parties. When perched, they often bob their head and flick up their tail.
This kingfisher is about 17 cm long and is white with a black mask, a white supercilium and black breast bands.
The crest is neat and the upperparts are barred in black. Several subspecies are recognized within the broad distribution.
It is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia from Turkey to India to China.
It is resident, and most birds do not migrate, other than short-distance seasonal movements.
The Pied Kingfisher is estimated to be the world's third most common kingfisher, and being a noisy bird, is hard to miss.
Reference: Wikipedia