What unique method did the Goa photographer use to document the kingfisher?

The photographer used two CCTV cameras and his own camera for a 24/7 non-invasive documentation of the kingfisher's life cycle.

How long did the oriental dwarf kingfisher's nesting cycle last each year?

The nesting cycle for the oriental dwarf kingfisher lasts from the end of May to September each year.

What challenges did the oriental dwarf kingfisher face during nesting?

The kingfisher nests faced challenges from predators like snakes and monitor lizards, and the youngest hatchlings were often weaker.

Home / Environment / Goa Photographer Captures 24/7 Kingfisher Family

Goa Photographer Captures 24/7 Kingfisher Family

15 Apr

•

Summary

Photographer documented kingfisher life cycle 24/7 for three years.
Male kingfisher mated with three different females over three years.
Parents use starvation tactics to encourage hatchlings' first flight.

Goa Photographer Captures 24/7 Kingfisher Family

In a remarkable feat of dedication, Goa-based photographer Shailendra Naik has completed the first-ever 24/7 documentation of the oriental dwarf kingfisher's life cycle within the state. Over three years, Naik meticulously observed a nest in Ponda, capturing the entire breeding process, from courtship to fledging, for twelve young birds.

Naik's efforts revealed that a single male kingfisher can mate with multiple females, observing one such male pair with three different females across the study period. The nesting cycle, occurring annually from late May to September, relies on nearby water bodies for sustenance. Both parents actively share incubation and chick-rearing duties.