Scientific Name: Alcedo meninting
Malay Name: Rajaudang Meninting
Chinese Name: 蓝耳翠鸟
Range:
Found from the Indian subcontinent to Southern China and Southeast Asia
Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: coltarti, phillipsi, scintillans, rufigastra, meninting.
Local Subspecies: meninting
Size: 15.5-16.5 cm
Identification:
Resembles Common Kingfisher but smaller and has deeper blue upperparts (without turquoise blue tinge) and blue ear-coverts. Male has all black bill while female has reddish lower mandible. Juvenile has rufous ear-coverts and mostly red bill.
Similar looking species: Common Kingfisher
Habitat: Streams, ponds and suitable water bodies in or near forest and wooded areas.
Behaviour/Ecology: Nest in tunnel excavated at bank of forest streams.
Local Status: Rare resident
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Central Catchment Forest, Hindhede Quarry, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Kranji Marsh, Lorong Halus, Sungei Buloh, Jurong ECO Garden and Pulau Ubin.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Blue-eared Kingfisher)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Alcedo meninting. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22683042A92974788.en. Accessed on 19 December 2021
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.