Known by many common names including: Oriental dwarf kingfisher, Malay (forest) kingfisher, Black-backed kingfisher, Rufous-backed kingfisher, Miniature Kingfisher and Three-toed kingfisher, this is one spectacularly colored bird with two distinct color patterns as well as those with intermediate characteristics (some 80% of specimens in Borneo). Both males and females sport this coloration with only juveniles possessing a duller tinge. It is the smallest kingfisher at just 5 inches long (13cm) including that long beak. Found in the southern Asian tropics and parts of Indonesia, near small streams, this diminutive species captures its meals by hovering or perching above the water, and once it spots its prey, dives deep into the water at speeds of over 25mph (40km/h). Both parents excavate a tunnel for nesting which may be up to 39 inches (1m) long. (Ceyx erithaca)
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:00:00 +0000
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