Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher
This species is defined as a Review Species . Please submit your records of this species via our record submission page .

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)

Past records in our database:

Showing only accepted records. Note that records currently under review are also not displayed, and the list may not be a full list of records of this species in Singapore. For more details, check the database here.

References:

BirdLife International. (2023). Ceyx rufidorsa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023. Accessed on 1 January 2024

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