The
oriental dwarf kingfisher
(Ceyx erithaca), also known as the
black-backed kingfisher
or three-toed kingfisher, is a
pocket-sized bird
in the family Alcedinidae. This tropical kingfisher is a partial migrant that is endemic across much of the Indian Subcontinent and
southeast asia
.
What is the smallest kingfisher?
The smallest kingfisher species, the pygmy kingfisher , or miniature kingfisher as it is sometimes referred to, is only 13cm long, and is the smallest member of the kingfisher family. It is distinctive, not only by its size, but also by its bright blue crown with a purple wash along on the side of its head.
Where do oriental dwarf kingfishers live?
The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher’s territory encompasses a huge geographical area. It is endemic across much of Southeast Asia, South China and the Indian Subcontinent, and It can be found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore,
sri lanka
, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Where are Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher found in India?
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca), also known as Jewel of Indian rain forest are Summer visitor in East Himalayan Foothills and North East Indian Subcontinent and residents in southwest India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh In monsoon, they arrive in the region of southwest India for breeding.
Can kingfisher be pet?
As a whole, kingfishers do not make good pets They are wild birds, and most species are not tame or friendly in any way. In many places, it is illegal to own a kingfisher as a pet.
Why are kingfishers called kingfishers?
Taxonomy. The contemporary Latinate name is derived from the Latin terms alcedo, which means “kingfisher” , and Atthis, the name of a young woman from the island of Lesbos, a favourite of Sappho, the famous ancient Greek poet.
Is kingfisher a wild animal?
Kingfishers live up to 14 years in the wild Many kingfisher species are threatened as their populations have been in decline due to habitat loss and invasive species. Woodland kingfishers are especially threatened as their habitat is being destroyed due to deforestation and animal agriculture.
Where is kingfisher nest?
Where do kingfishers nest and when do they breed? Kingfishers nest in burrows, usually in soft riverbanks The nest tunnels can be up to 140cm long, ending in a nesting chamber, and can take many days to create.
How big is the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher?
This is a small, red and yellow kingfisher, averaging 13 cm in length , yellow underparts with glowing bluish-black upperparts.
What was the South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher most known for?
The South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher has a unique call, described as a “ high-pitched, insect-like, and almost inaudible zeeep” It has eluded scientists for over a hundred years because of its behavior. It is difficult to see as it perches quietly and darts invisibly from perch to perch.
What does the little kingfisher eat?
Feeding. The little kingfisher feeds on small fish, crustaceans, insect larvae and water-beetles.
Are kingfishers native to Australia?
KINGFISHERS LIVE ALL over Australia, but predominantly in coastal regions We have 10 native species, including the kookaburra, which is the largest. Kingfishers nest in tree hollows, in burrows in riverbanks and in termite nests.
How does kingfisher behave?
Behavior & lifestyle Commonly, a kingfisher sits and waits on a perch for prey After sensing the right moment they swoop down for catching it with its strong bills. Several species of kingfishers don’t live near lakes and rivers. Those who live in forests and woodlands make their nests in tree cavities.
What is the lifespan of a kingfisher?
Kingfishers can live for 6 to 10 years.
Are kingfishers rare?
Kingfishers are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north but following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. They are found by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas.
What is the largest kingfisher in the world?
The largest kingfisher in the world is Australia’s laughing kookaburra It weighs up to 500gm, or 15 times as much as our bird. To differentiate our kingfisher from the other 86 species, it is officially known as the river kingfisher. Many of the world’s kingfishers don’t eat fish and rarely go near water.
What is a group of kingfishers called?
kingfishers – a crown of kingfishers. kingfishers – a realm of kingfishers.
Is Pied kingfisher rare?
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.
Is the Kookaburra a kingfisher?
The laughing kookaburra is the largest kingfisher It is a stout, stocky bird with a large head, prominent brown eyes, and a very large bill.
Is a kingfisher bigger than a robin?
The beak is long and black, though females have a red patch at the base. With a wingspan of 25cm and body length of 16cm, a kingfisher is only slightly larger than a robin , although it is nearly twice as heavy.
What does it mean when a kingfisher visits you?
Kingfishers are symbolic of freedom, courage, adventure, and balance They have a free spirit with wanderlust running in their blood. In many cultures, these birds are also associated with fertility and good fortune.
What eats a kingfisher?
Most known predators of adult kingfisher are raptors. Nest predators include foxes, minks, dingoes, skunks, raccoons, chimpanzees, snakes , monitor lizards, driver ants, and mongooses.
Do kingfishers eat other birds?
In open country they eat insects, spiders, lizards, mice and small birds.
Can a kingfisher walk?
They are capable of hovering extensively, and often hover before plunge diving to capture prey. They are much more awkward when perched, however, and their short legs and small feet make walking clumsy and difficult Kingfishers are cavity-nesting birds.
How do I attract kingfishers to my garden?
A good layer of mulch or leaf litter on the garden will encourage insects , and birds are a natural way of keeping them under control. Ruru (morepork) and kingfisher eat insects as well as mice. Some native birds have become wary about feeding on the ground.
Where do kingfishers sleep?
Outside the breeding season kingfishers are mostly solitary and secretive, roosting in dense cover near water Each bird arrives at its roost after dark and departs before dawn.
How can you tell a male kingfisher from a female?
The key to telling the difference between a male and female kingfisher is the beak colour. The males beak is all black, the female has a pinky orange tinge to the lower part of the beak.
References
https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rubkin1/cur/introduction#:~:text=The%20Rufous%2Dbacked%20Dwarf%2DKingfisher,frequently%20forages%20on%20terrestrial%20prey.
https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=3B88B2299DB5CDDC
https://www.beautyofbirds.com/orientaldwarfkingfishers.html