Ruddy Kingfisher
A species of Typical Woodland Kingfishers Scientific name : Halcyon coromanda Genus : Typical Woodland Kingfishers
Ruddy Kingfisher, A species of Typical Woodland Kingfishers
Botanical name: Halcyon coromanda
Genus: Typical Woodland Kingfishers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Wich'yanan (Jay) Limparungpatthanakij
Description
Reaching approximately 25 cm, the ruddy kingfisher has a very large, bright red bill and equally red legs. The body is rust red, generally deepening to purple at the tail. There is little sexual dimorphism though some sources report male birds being somewhat brighter in plumage. Due to its preference for heavily forested areas, the kingfisher's high, descending call is more often heard than the bird itself is seen, and these birds generally travel singly or in pairs.
Size
23 - 41 cm
Feeding Habits
Ruddy Kingfisher, a kingfisher, primarily consumes fish, crustaceans, and large insects. In regions lacking streams, ruddy Kingfisher adapts by hunting amphibians. Their foraging includes diving and skilled aerial maneuvers to capture prey, showcasing a diverse and adaptable diet.
Habitat
The ruddy Kingfisher typically inhabits densely vegetated environments. In temperate regions, it is found in evergreen forests and woodlands adjacent to streams, often associated with Cryptomeria groves. In contrast, in tropical areas, it favors coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, Nipa palm areas, and tidal forests. The species is also present in streamside forests, secondary growth, wooded zones, and coconut plantations with bushy undergrowth. It prefers to remain concealed during the day and may emerge at dusk for activities such as bathing.
Dite type
Carnivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The ruddy kingfisher ranges from South Korea and Japan in the north, south through the Philippines to the Sunda Islands, and west to China and India. It is migratory, with birds in the northern part of the range migrating as far south as Borneo during winter. Locally common in southern parts of its range, the ruddy kingfisher is rare in Japan, where it is highly sought after by birders. Ruddy kingfishers inhabit forested areas from the temperate to tropical zones, often in thick jungles and rainforests. The binomial name recalls the Coromandel Coast of India.
Photo By Wich'yanan (Jay) Limparungpatthanakij