Kingfishers are a group of small to medium-sized, bright-looking birds in the order Coraciiformes. They fly rapidly, low over water, and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water’s surface. Their plumages are often brightly coloured, such as blue or orange. They have large heads, long, sharp bills, short legs, and stubby tails. Illustrated in this stamp issue are 4 species of kingfishers found in Singapore: Black-capped kingfisher (1st Local), Blue-eared kingfisher (70 cents), Black-backed kingfisher (90 cents), and White-throated kingfisher ($1.30).

Black-capped Kingfisher – Halcyon pileata The Black-capped kingfisher is a medium-sized kingfisher that is widely distributed in tropical Asia. They are mainly found in coastal and mangrove habitats. They fly out to catch an insect in foliage or on the ground, but can also take prey from the water.

Blue-eared Kingfisher – Alcedo meninting The Blue-eared kingfisher is commonly found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and it is one of the smallest kingfishers found in Singapore. Blue-eared kingfisher perch near water to search for fish, crustaceans, and insects.

Black-backed Kingfisher – Ceyx erithaca Also known as the Oriental dwarf kingfisher, it is endemic across much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They prey on insects, spiders, crabs, fishes and frogs, geckos, skinks and lizards.

White-throated Kingfisher – Halcyon smyrnensis White-throated kingfisher is a large kingfisher widespread distributed from Turkey east through the Indian subcontinent to the Philippines. White-throated kingfishers are probably the most common kingfisher found in Singapore.