Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher

Scientific Name: Ceyx erithaca

Malay Name: Rajaudang-Api Biasa

Chinese Name: 三趾翠鸟

Alternative Name(s): Black-backed Kingfisher

Range: Found from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, southern China to Southeast Asia with some northerly populations wintering south.

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: erithaca, macrocarus, motleyi.

Local Subspecies: erithaca

Size: 12.5-14 cm

Identification: Very distinctive looking with a combination of 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/uppertail-coverts.

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

Behaviour/Ecology: Feeds on insect, lizard, fish, and amphibian. Often visits forest streams at dusk to bath.

Local Status: Uncommon migrant and very rare visitor

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

Location: Central Catchment Forest, Venus Drive, Lower Pierce Boardwalk, Bidadari, Sungei Buloh, Lorong Halus and Tuas South.

Featured articles:

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

References:

BirdLife International. (2016). Ceyx erithaca. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T61658565A95175087.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.