Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

Ceyx erithaca

Family: Kingfishers · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 12.5–14 cm · Conservation: Near Threatened

Range

Breeds across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and southern China to Southeast Asia; northerly populations winter south.

Identification

Rufous-yellow underparts, lilac-tinged crown with blue patches at rear of ear-coverts, reddish bill, whitish throat, dark bluish upper back and scapulars, blackish wings, and bright lilac rump and uppertail-coverts. Separated from Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher by the blue-black (not rufous) mantle; the mantle is always rufous in Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, even when that species has much black on the wings.

Habitat

Forest, gardens, parks, wooded areas, and mangroves.

Behaviour

Feeds on insects, lizards, fish, and amphibians; often visits forest streams at dusk to bathe.