'/> Amazing Animals: Meet the Seven Kingfishers Endemic to the Philippines

Monday, May 18, 2015

Meet the Seven Kingfishers Endemic to the Philippines

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 18 species occur in the Philippines. Furthermore, seven species of kingfisher are endemic to some of its islands.

If you are planning on a birding trip to the Philippines, then the country’s seven endemic kingfishers is a must-see experience. We have Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher for the major islands, Indigo-banded Kingfisher and Spotted Wood Kingfisher in Luzon, while Mindanao and its satellite islands have Silvery Kingfisher, Rufous-lored Kingfisher, and the Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher.

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1. Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher

The Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx melanurus) is a tiny, colorful, forest-dwelling kingfisher recognizable by its striking bright red bill and bright red legs. The species is found in the islands of Luzon, Polillo, Alabat, Catanduanes, Tablas, Samar, Leyte, Mindanao and Basilan. It prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The species is threatened by habitat loss.

This shy kingfisher measures 12 cm (4.72 in) and weighs 16·4 g (0.58 oz). Three subspecies are recognized, each of which differs in its range and appearance. (Ceyx melanurus melanurus) has reddish-brown plumage with washed lilac breast, rump, on the crown, and ear-coverts. A blue and white neck blaze, the throat and belly are white. The wings are glossy bluish-black, and black "V" mark on back.

(Ceyx melanurus samarensis) differs from Ceyx melanurus melanurus by having a darker back, a more lilac-washed head, and a slightly larger bill and wings. (Ceyx melanurus platenae) is larger, lacks any blue on the neck, more lilac, and less black in the wings.

2. Indigo-banded Kingfisher

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The Indigo-banded Kingfisher (Alcedo cyanopectus) is one of the most-striking kingfisher endemic to the Philippines. It is found in the islands of Luzon, Cebu, Mindoro, Negros and Panay. Its natural habitats include tropical or subtropical dry forests and tropical or subtropical mangrove forests. The species prefers clean freshwater rivers and streams where it hunts small fish, crabs and aquatic insects.

This colorful and also among the smallest kingfisher endemic to the Philippines measures 13.97 cm (5.5 in) in length. The Indigo-banded Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern.



3. Spotted Wood Kingfisher

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The Spotted-wood Kingfisher (Actenoides lindsayi) is endemic to Luzon and Negros and Panay. It is strictly a forest kingfisher found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and usually seen near bodies of water. It feeds on insects, other invertebrates as well as small vertebrates.

One of the most colorful endemic kingfishers in the Philippines, the species is sexually dimorphic (the male looks different from the female).



4. Silvery Kingfisher

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The Silvery Kingfisher (Alcedo argentata) locally called kasay-kasay is found in Samar, Leyte and Bohol. A shy and inconspicuous kingfisher, it prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers. The species is threatened by habitat loss due to extensive lowland deforestation throughout its range.

This small yet distinctive kingfisher has mainly black and white plumage with silvery-white rump and blaze on back. There are two subspecies of the silvery kingfisher; (Alcedo argentata argentata) easily recognized by its black head with silvery white spots, black wings and a silvery white back; and the smaller (Alcedo argentata flumenicola) with purple-washed underparts, and a creamy-colored throat. Silvery Kingfisher measures 14 cm (5.5 in) in length.



5. Brown-breasted Kingfisher

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The Brown-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon gularis) is a large kingfisher found in the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, Panay and Samar. The species is found near coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and lakes. Adults measure 28 cm (11.02 in) long and sports bright blue back, wings and tail. Its has white neck and throat.

6. Rufous-lored kingfisher

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The Winchell's Kingfisher or the Rufous-lored Kingfisher (Todiramphus winchelli) is endemic to the Philippines widely distributed throughout the Visayas, and Mindanao. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The species is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss.

A medium-sized kingfisher, males measure 25 cm (9.8 in) long and weigh 60–64 g (2.11-2.25 oz). The male has white underparts and dark blue upperparts. A rusty-orange 'collar on the neck and shining blue on crown and rump.



7. Blue-capped Kingfisher

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The Blue-capped Kingfisher (Actenoides hombroni) is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its habitat includes undisturbed rainforest, montane and mossy forest. This species qualifies as Vulnerable because it has a small, fragmented population, which is undergoing a rapid decline due to deforestation.

The blue-capped kingfisher is a stunning bird, known for its dark purple-blue crown and ‘moustache’. Blue-green upperparts and rufous-orange cheeks and underparts. Off-white throat, rest of underparts rufous-orange. It has a distinctive dagger-shaped, red bill. Blue-green upperparts of the same colour, and a prominent, dagger-shaped, red bill. The male measures 27 cm (10.62 in) long and weighs around 108–124 g (3.80-4.27 oz).



24 comments:

  1. Kingfishers are very colorful birds. They are similar to finches, but they have longer bills.

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  2. Incredible different kinds of spices, I'm way too fascinated about their looks and their capabilities.

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  3. Wow, I did not know we have these beautiful king fishers there. They are gorgeous!

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  4. I've only seen one type of kingfisher in my life and I think that's #6. I didn't know there are other species and they are so beautiful. :)

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  5. these little beast are adorable. thanks for the info and great blog.

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  6. i am a fan of kingfishers. they are just a lovely subject for photography... actually a challenging one.

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  7. The colors of these birds look wonderful. I wonder if their appearance differ for male and female similar to peacocks.

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  8. I've seen two kinds of Kingfishers here in our garden, seriously. Maybe since we're near a river and our area here in Rizal is a bit foresty, that's why. They're lovely birds.

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  9. Kuya i love this post! Pls post more about philippine animals, more bird kinds! i wish we have a Philippine Nature Channel na maayos. c Kuya kim kasi puro Ahas...XD

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    1. I do have a number of posts touching on Animals endemic to our country.

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  10. I am so curious to see or touch a kingfisher and also I am interested to listen its call. Why is it called as kingfisher as what its name so suggests that it is a good fish catcher. Is that correct?

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    1. you're so correct Sir. Actually, there are 3 types of King fishers, namely: River Kingfishers, Land King fishers and Serial King fishers.

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  11. It's nice to see that each kingfisher have a unique look. I love how colorful they are.

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  12. Silver Kingfisher looks cute with their long beak. Each of their kinds have wonderful colors.

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  13. I honestly don't have many knowledge about birds, in fact, I've only heard about kingfishers now, or maybe I've heard of it before but just didn't remember it. They all look lovely!

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  14. As usual a great educational tour on a particular specie keep this up and thank you very much for this rich information.

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  15. The indigo banded one looks the most beautiful! Btw, do kingfishers get fishes as big as their beaks or even bigger fishes?

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  16. I was surprised to know that we have these collection of colorful kingfisher in the Philippines. I like the silvery kingfisher, It looks domesticated.

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  17. This birds looks so cool! It's just like someone color their feathers. I would love to see it personally. :)

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  18. I used to remember that these are the birds I love coloring in my coloring book because of their colorful feathers (aside from peacock of course). Very proud to know that these birds exist in our country. :)

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  19. I'm afraid of the Kingfisher's long beaks, but I am in awe with the dwarf one. Didn't know there are dwarf Kingfisher until I saw this post.

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  20. Heard so much of Kingfisher here in Davao Bird's Sanctuary. I haven't seen it personally. I love to see them all.

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  21. I never knew that bird watching in the Philippines can be so exciting. I'm in awe of the colors of the Kingfisher.

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