Ruddy Kingfisher

Overview

The ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is a medium-sized tree kingfisher widely distributed across east and southeast Asia. Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, it inhabits a range extending from South Korea and Japan down to the Sunda Islands and west to India.

Identification

• Reaches approximately 25 cm in length with a rust-red body that deepens to purple at the tail.
• Features a very large, bright red bill and equally red legs.
• Emits a high, descending call that is often heard more frequently than the bird is seen in dense forest.

Habitat

The species ranges from South Korea and Japan in the north, through the Philippines to the Sunda Islands, and west to China and India. It inhabits forested areas in temperate to tropical zones, favouring thick jungles and rainforests. Birds in the northern part of the range migrate as far south as Borneo during the winter months.

Diet

Generally feeding on fish, crustaceans, and large insects, the ruddy kingfisher is also known to consume frogs and other amphibians in areas with less running water.

Did you know?

The binomial name of the species recalls the Coromandel Coast of India. It is rare in Japan, where it is highly sought after by birders.