(Alcedo atthis) is a small, vibrant bird known for its striking colors. It has a bright, iridescent blue back and wings, with a similarly vibrant blue cap on its head. The underparts are rich orange, and it has a white throat and neck patch. Its bill is long, straight, and black, perfect for catching fish. The legs and feet are bright red. The overall appearance is compact, with a short tail and a large head in proportion to its body, giving it a distinctive, eye-catching look.

The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a strikingly patterned bird with a bold black and white coloration. It has a white face and underparts with black streaks and a black line running from the beak through the eye. The back and wings are black with white spots, creating a striking contrast. Its bill is long and straight, and its legs and feet are dark. The Pied Kingfisher has a distinctive, slightly crested head and a relatively long tail with white edges.

The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is a vividly colored bird. It has a striking blue back and wings, a bright chestnut-brown head, and a white throat and underparts. The bill is long, robust, and red, contrasting sharply with its plumage. The legs are also red. Its tail is blue with white edges, and the bird has a somewhat stout, upright posture. The White-throated Kingfisher's bold colors and large size make it easily recognizable.

The Arabian Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris kalbensis) is a rare and endemic subspecies found exclusively in the mangrove forests of Khor Kalba (Khor Kalba Mangrove Center), UAE. Characterized by its striking turquoise-blue plumage, white underparts, and distinctive dark eye-stripe, this kingfisher thrives in the dense coastal mangroves, relying on small fish and crustaceans for food. Unlike other kingfisher species, it is highly territorial and closely tied to its specialized habitat. Due to its restricted range and habitat sensitivity, it is considered a conservation priority in the UAE. Photographing this elusive bird at the Khor Kalba Mangrove Center offers a unique glimpse into one of the region’s most fascinating and endangered avian species.