Scientific Name: Ceyx rufidorsa
Malay Name: Rajaudang-Api Biasa
Chinese Name: 棕背三趾翠鸟
Alternative Name(s): Rufous-backed Kingfisher
Range: Resident in the Thai-Malay peninsula, Sundaic Islands, and parts of the Philippines.Resident in the Thai-Malay peninsula, Sundaic Islands, and parts of the Philippines.
Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: rufidorsa, motleyi, captus, jungei, vargasi.
Size: 12.5-14 cm
Identification: Tiny kingfisher, overall light orange on the underparts with white chin and throat, and vivid orange bill and feet. Subspecies rufidorsa has rufous upperparts and wing coverts, white patches on sides of neck, with varying amounts of lilac wash on the crown, mantle, back, and rump. Amount of black on wings also varies, though mostly rufous. Formerly considered conspecific with the Black-backed Kingfisher, which has dark blue on the back, scapulars, wing coverts, sides of nape, and forehead instead. Much smaller and more iridescent than superficially similar Ruddy Kingfisher.
Similar looking species: Ruddy Kingfisher, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher
Habitat: Typically in forests with dark undergrowth, often near small water bodies such as streams and small pools, also wooded areas and mangroves.
Behaviour/Ecology: Feeds on insects, lizards, fishes, and amphibians.
Local Status: Very rare visitor
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2023)
Featured reports: Jun 2024
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher)
References:
BirdLife International. (2023). Ceyx rufidorsa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023. Accessed on 1 January 2024
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher. Retrieved on December 8, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/rufous-backed-dwarf-kingfisher.