Melanesian Kingfisher
NameMelanesian Kingfisher
Common NameCollared Kingfisher
Scientific NameTodiramphus chloris
FamilyHalcyonidae
Wingspan (cm)21.5
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)70
Plumage DetailsThe crown, back, and wings are a vibrant dark blue. A broad white collar encircles the neck, contrasting with the blue. The underparts are typically buffy to rufous, though some subspecies may have whiter bellies. It possesses a long, sturdy black bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a harsh, rattling 'kek-kek-kek' or 'chrek-chrek-chrek' often repeated, as well as a loud, ringing 'ki-ki-ki' call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, forest, urban, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeExtremely widespread, found from the Red Sea coast of northeast Africa, across southern Asia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and throughout many islands of Melanesia and Polynesia.
Identifying Featuresprominent white collar, dark blue upperparts, buffy underparts, large black bill, often perches conspicuously
Description
This medium-sized kingfisher is characterized by its striking blue upperparts, a prominent white collar, and buffy underparts. It is a highly adaptable species, often found perched conspicuously while hunting a diverse diet of small animals.
