Hook-billed Kingfisher

Overview

The hook-billed kingfisher (Melidora macrorrhina) is a large dumpy kingfisher and the only member of the genus Melidora. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 27 cm with a weight of 85–110 g
• Long white stripe below the eyes
• White underside
• Dull yellow feet
• Song consists of a long whistle followed by a series of higher pitched short notes

Habitat

Resident in the lowland forested areas of New Guinea and nearby islands including Waigeo, Misool, Batanta, and Yapen. The species is found in west, central, and east New Guinea.

Diet

Feeds on insects and frogs. It may dig into the soil searching for prey in a similar manner to the shovel-billed kookaburra.

Did you know?

The call and song are mainly given at night. The genus name Melidora probably comes from the classical Greek for 'yellow' and 'spear'.