Rufous-lored Kingfisher

Overview

The rufous-lored kingfisher (Todiramphus winchelli), also known as Winchell's kingfisher, is a species of bird in the kingfisher family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to the Philippines and is currently classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Approximately 25 cm long with a blackish-blue crown edged in cobalt blue and rufous lores and neck-collar.
• Upperparts are mostly blackish and dark blue with a bright azure-blue rump; males have white underparts while females have buff underparts.
• Possesses dark brown eyes, a black beak, and greyish legs.
• Vocalisations include an ascending series of harsh 'chup' and 'chep' notes, or three rising notes followed by a long descending series of 'chu' sounds.

Habitat

Found in tropical moist lowland forests across the Philippines, ranging from Samar and Tablas south to Mindanao, Basilan, and the Sulu Archipelago. The species inhabits forests below 1,000 m in elevation, occurring in coastal lowlands and foothills, and appears locally common on some islands but rare in others.

Diet

This bird feeds on large insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. It typically perches in the canopy but descends to lower perches or the ground to forage, battering its prey to subdue it.

Did you know?

The species has been recorded nesting in used arboreal termite nests, a unique reproductive strategy given the limited information available on its breeding biology.