Hubbry Logo
Ruddy kingfisherRuddy kingfisherMain
Open search
Ruddy kingfisher
Community hub
Ruddy kingfisher
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ruddy kingfisher
Ruddy kingfisher
Ruddy kingfisher
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Ruddy kingfisher
Near Malang, Indonesia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Alcedinidae
Subfamily: Halcyoninae
Genus: Halcyon
Species:
H. coromanda
Binomial name
Halcyon coromanda
(Latham, 1790)

The ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is a medium-sized tree kingfisher, widely distributed in east and southeast Asia.

Description

[edit]
H. coromanda by John Gerrard Keulemans

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.

Distribution and habitat

[edit]
Ruddy kingfisher at Sunderban tiger reserve, India

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.

Ruddy Kingfisher from Sulawesi, Indonesia

The binomial name recalls the Coromandel Coast of India.

Behaviour and ecology

[edit]

Food and feeding

[edit]

Like other kingfishers, ruddy kingfishers generally feed on fish, crustaceans, and large insects. However, in areas with less running water, they are known to eat frogs and other amphibians.

Taxonomy

[edit]

Halcyon coromanda includes the following subspecies:[2]

  • H. c. coromanda - (Latham, 1790)
  • H. c. major - (Temminck & Schlegel, 1848)
  • H. c. bangsi - (Oberholser, 1915)
  • H. c. mizorhina - (Oberholser, 1915)
  • H. c. minor - (Temminck & Schlegel, 1848)
  • H. c. linae - Hubbard & duPont, 1974
  • H. c. claudiae - Hubbard & duPont, 1974
  • H. c. rufa - Wallace, 1863
  • H. c. pelingensis - Neumann, 1939
  • H. c. sulana - Mees, 1970

References

[edit]

Other sources

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Halcyon coromanda.
Wikispecies has information related to Halcyon coromanda.
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ruddy kingfisher

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The ruddy (Halcyon coromanda) is a medium-sized , measuring 25–27 cm in length and weighing 60–92 g, with distinctive -chestnut upperparts bearing a lilac wash, a glossy azure-blue back and rump, paler underparts, a bright red or orange-red bill, dark brown iris, red orbital skin, and scarlet legs and feet. Juveniles exhibit darker with dusky breast scallops, and there are ten varying in color intensity, such as the paler H. c. major and darker H. c. minor with a violet wash. This shy, territorial is known for its high-pitched, descending call often heard in dense cover, and it typically travels singly or in pairs. Widely distributed across east and , the ruddy kingfisher breeds in northeastern , Korea, , , , , , and , while wintering in the , , , , and , with a total range spanning approximately 22,100,000 km² across more than 20 countries. Northern populations are migratory, breeding from May to and moving southward at night between and May, with some individuals returning to the same sites annually, whereas southern populations are largely resident. It occurs as a vagrant in areas like and . The prefers dense forests, temperate woodlands up to 1,800 m , mangroves, tidal forests, , and even coconut plantations with shrubby understorey; it has become rare in due to loss, though recent records persist. It forages from low perches, diving for prey such as (including beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas), earthworms, snails, , , , frogs, often beating hard-shelled items like snails against rocks to access them. Breeding occurs from February to July depending on the region, with nests in earth banks, tree holes, or mounds; clutches of 4–6 eggs are incubated by both parents, who also feed the young. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, the ruddy kingfisher remains widespread but uncommon and elusive due to its preference for dense cover, though populations are decreasing owing to a 14.1% decline in over three generations from , particularly in mangroves. Conservation efforts focus on protecting forested areas across its range, but no specific recovery plans or systematic monitoring are in place.

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Etymology and classification

The common name "ruddy kingfisher" derives from the bird's predominant reddish-brown , with "ruddy" denoting a reddish hue, while "" originates from the term cyncisc, translating to "king of the fishers" and alluding to the family's piscivorous diet and regal appearance. The scientific name Halcyon coromanda reflects both mythological and geographic origins. The genus Halcyon stems from the Greek alkyōn, referring to a mythical in ancient that nested on the and calmed during incubation, a name later applied to kingfishers in . The specific coromanda is a latinization of "Coromandel," the coastal region of southeastern where the type specimen was collected, as noted in its original description. Phylogenetically, the ruddy kingfisher belongs to the family Alcedinidae, the tree kingfishers, within the subfamily Halcyoninae. It is placed in the Halcyon alongside other woodland kingfishers, though its distinctive morphology—such as unique bill structure and patterns—has led some researchers to propose a monospecific Entomothera. Molecular phylogenetic studies, including analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, support its retention in Halcyon as sister to other members like Pelargopsis, based on shared biogeographic and genetic traits up to recent revisions. Historically, the species was first described by John Latham in 1790 as Alcedo coromanda in the genus of river , reflecting early 18th-century classifications that grouped all together based on superficial similarities. By the , it was reclassified into Halcyon as distinctions between riverine and arboreal forms became clearer, with further debates in the early —such as Harry C. Oberholser's 1915 review—advocating Entomothera due to plumage variations across populations, though this was not widely adopted.

Subspecies

The Ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is recognized as comprising 10 by authoritative sources such as Birds of the World (2020 update). These exhibit variations in size, coloration, and bill intensity, with overall body length ranging from 25–27 cm and weights from 60–92 g across forms. Northern , such as H. c. major, tend to be larger (up to 92 g) and paler with less violet gloss on the and a smaller azure rump patch, while southern forms like H. c. minor are smaller (around 60 g), darker, and more violet-washed with a larger silvery rump patch. Bill color is generally bright red, but appears deeper red in tropical due to enhanced pigmentation. The azure extent on the rump and back is brighter and more extensive in migratory northern populations compared to resident southern ones. Geographic exclusivity is pronounced, with northern subspecies largely migratory and southern ones resident, and no hybridization reported between them. Northern forms breed in temperate and winter in , while southern populations remain year-round in tropical regions. Recent taxonomic reviews, including assessments in the 2020s, have proposed no splits or mergers beyond minor synonymies, such as H. c. ochrothorectis with major and occasional inclusion of claudiae in minor. Molecular phylogenetic studies support the current arrangement, placing H. coromanda within the Halcyon with no evidence for further subdivision. The subspecies are as follows:
SubspeciesGeographic RangeDistinguishing Features
H. c. majorBreeds in NE , Korea, ; migrates to , , Talaud IslandsLargest size; paler with reduced violet gloss; smaller rump patch.
H. c. coromanda (nominate) to N Vietnam, S ; winters to , , Bright -chestnut upperparts with azure-blue back and rump.
H. c. mizorhinaDark with bright violet gloss; darker underparts with violet wash on breast.
H. c. minorS to , , Smallest size; very dark, violet-washed ; large silvery rump patch.
H. c. bangsi; migrates to , Talaud IslandsDarker than nominate; smaller blue rump; more purplish sheen.
H. c. linae and SW Even darker than minor.
H. c. claudiae and Sanga-Sanga Islands (sometimes included in minor)Similar to minor; debated status.
H. c. pelingensisBanggai IslandsResident; plumage intermediate between northern and southern forms.
H. c. rufaTalaud Islands to Resident; slightly brighter tones.
H. c. sulanaSula IslandsResident; similar to rufa but with subtler violet undertones.

Description

Plumage and morphology

The Ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is a medium-sized measuring 25–27 cm in length and weighing 60–92 g, with males typically 73–80 g. It features a large head adorned with a shaggy, ruffled crest that extends from the base of the bill to the , contributing to its distinctive appearance. The bill is straight, robust, and prominently red to orange-red, measuring about 5–6 cm in length, while the legs and feet are scarlet and adapted for perching on branches. There is minimal in size or structure. Adult plumage is predominantly rufous-chestnut on the head, , and underparts, with a subtle lilac wash on the upperparts that deepens to a glossy azure-blue on the back, wings, and a prominent rump patch visible during flight. The tail is short and rufous, and the iris is dark brown with red orbital skin. Females exhibit slightly duller rufous tones compared to males, but overall differences are subtle. There is no seasonal plumage change, though breeding adults may appear brighter due to wear or individual variation. show minor variations, such as paler tones in H. c. major or darker hues in H. c. minor, but the nominate form dominates descriptions. Juveniles are duller overall than adults, with darker plumage featuring dusky-brown scalloping on the underparts, particularly the breast, and less glossy blue on the upperparts; the bill is paler orange rather than fully red. Structural features like the crest and bill shape are similar from an early age, though the crest may appear less developed initially. Morphological adaptations include strong, syndactyl feet suited for gripping es while scanning for prey, and a dagger-like bill ideal for probing , litter, or shallow to capture . These traits support its arboreal and terrestrial foraging lifestyle without requiring hovering, distinguishing it from more aerial .

Vocalizations

The Ruddy kingfisher's primary vocalization is a high-pitched, whistled call often rendered as "tsee-tsee" or "kleeoo," typically delivered in flight or from a and serving as an alarm or contact signal between pairs. This descending whistle is loud and mournful, usually consisting of 4–5 notes, and is a key means of detection given the bird's shy, forest-dwelling habits where it is more often heard than seen. For territorial purposes, particularly during the breeding season, males produce a series of 3–5 descending whistles, described as "pee-pee-pee" or "pyorr-pyorr," repeated from exposed perches to defend . These calls can extend into longer sequences of 8–10 chattering notes or raucous disyllabic phrases in some populations, emphasizing their role in pair-bonding and deterrence. Additional vocalizations include soft, harsh churring sounds used by begging chicks and occasional duet-like exchanges between mates, though the species lacks the complex songs typical of passerines. Alarm calls may escalate to sharper, metallic shrills when threatened. Regional variations exist across the range; for instance, northern populations such as those in (subspecies H. c. bangsi) feature louder, longer fluty "pyorr" notes or repetitive "tsee tsee syuu," while Indian birds (H. c. mizorhina) produce higher-pitched shrill monosyllables, and Malaysian individuals include tremulous "quirrr-r-r-r-r" elements. Recordings from the Xeno-canto database, spanning locations like and in the 2020s, demonstrate overall consistency in these whistled patterns despite subtle differences. Overall, these vocalizations primarily function in territorial defense and pair communication, with duets aiding coordination during breeding activities such as nest defense.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The Ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) breeds across northeastern , encompassing , the main islands of from to , northeastern in province, , the Himalayan foothills in and , and parts of Indochina including northern and southern . Breeding activities occur seasonally, typically from April to May in and , May in southern peninsular , June in , and June to July (possibly August) in . Northern populations are migratory, with post-breeding departure from sites between August and October, moving southward to wintering grounds in the (including and ), , , , , and the extending into and . These birds undertake nocturnal migrations, often traveling over 2000 km via routes through eastern , the , and , arriving at wintering areas from September to March before returning north in April to May. GPS tracking of individuals from has documented flights reaching altitudes up to nearly 4000 m during these journeys to Philippine wintering sites. Resident populations persist year-round in southern Asia, including peninsular , , , , and Philippine islands such as . High site fidelity is evident among these birds, with wintering migrants in the and returning to the same locations annually, and some Malaysian breeders occupying sites for at least six consecutive years. The ' overall geographic range remains stable, though local declines have been noted in northern breeding areas like , linked to and associated , based on observations through 2025.

Habitat preferences

The Ruddy kingfisher primarily inhabits dense lowland forests, subtropical and tropical mangroves, and secondary woodlands, favoring areas with thick near streams, rivers, or coastal zones for its elusive lifestyle. In northern temperate breeding regions, it occupies cool, wet temperate woodlands and groves around mountain streams, while in southern tropical ranges, it utilizes tidal forests, Nipa palm stands, and shrubby plantations. These habitats provide the heavy shading and tangled cover essential to the , which avoids open grasslands and exposed areas. The occurs from up to 1,800 m in northern breeding areas such as the and , though it is more commonly found below 500 m in tropical lowlands and coastal regions. Microhabitat preferences include shaded waterways with dense, tangled vegetation, where individuals perch 2–10 m above the ground on branches overlooking ; it shows tolerance for human-modified forests like plantations and rural gardens but remains shy and retreats deeper into cover in disturbed sites. In mangroves, it relies on large old-growth trees for nesting, highlighting its medium dependency on forested environments. Migratory populations use broadly similar forested habitats year-round during their journeys from breeding grounds in to wintering sites in , while resident southern populations, particularly in mangroves, adapt to tidal fluctuations by utilizing intertidal zones alongside permanent . The species' preference for old-growth forests renders it vulnerable to and clearance, with an estimated 14.1% decline in tree cover across its range over the past three generations exacerbating .

Behaviour and ecology

Foraging and diet

The Ruddy kingfisher exhibits an opportunistic and omnivorous diet, primarily consisting of large such as beetles, grasshoppers, locusts, bugs, cicadas, , and bees, alongside earthworms and land snails on terrestrial substrates. Aquatic prey includes mayflies, , , frogs, tadpoles, newts, salamanders, and small , with occasional consumption of or up to 8 cm in length. Unlike strictly piscivorous river , the Ruddy kingfisher shows no heavy reliance on , adapting its based on habitat availability, such as favoring terrestrial in forested areas with limited . Foraging occurs mainly through a perch-and-pounce , where the sits motionless on a low branch or exposed , scanning for movement below, then launches short aerial sallies to the ground, foliage, or shallow to capture prey, often diving into shallow before returning to the to eat. Larger items, such as or snails (2-10 cm), are subdued by repeatedly beating them against the or a stone anvil, a observed in populations across . Activity patterns are crepuscular, with peaks at dawn and dusk, while the remains concealed in dense cover during midday to avoid heat and predators. Individuals solitarily or in pairs, defending linear streamside territories without reported tool use.

Reproduction and breeding

The Ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) exhibits a monogamous typical of many Alcedinidae, with pairs forming bonds that often persist across breeding seasons. behaviors include aerial chases, mutual , and vocal duets, which help strengthen pair bonds and establish territories. Breeding timing shows regional variation tied to local climate and food availability. In temperate areas like and , it occurs from to July (sometimes extending to August), while in it peaks in April to May. In tropical regions such as and , breeding occurs from February to March (and May in northern ). Clutch size is 4–6 eggs. Nesting sites consist of unlined burrows excavated in steep earthen banks (1–2 m deep) or tree cavities up to 3 m high, with occasional use of arboreal termitaria, old nests, or even man-made structures like thatched roofs or mud walls. The male primarily excavates the nest in the morning, creating a 45–100 cm long with a 5 cm entrance leading to a chamber about 15 cm wide by 12 cm high, often concealed by vegetation for protection. The female lays 4–6 glossy white eggs, which both parents incubate for 18–; males handle daytime duties, while females cover nights. Chicks are altricial and brooded by the female, with both parents provisioning food such as frogs (43–64%), fish (20–26%), (10%), and (5–10%) in Japanese populations. Young after approximately 25–30 days and remain dependent on parents for 2–4 weeks post-, with no evidence of helper assistance at the nest.

Conservation

Population status

The Ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is classified as Least Concern on the as assessed in 2025, as its extensive range and do not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under criteria related to range size, abundance, or decline rate. The global size remains unquantified, though the species is described as widespread yet generally rare to uncommon across its distribution, potentially due to its shy and retiring nature. Its extent of occurrence spans over 22 million km², providing a broad buffer against localized pressures. Population trends are suspected to be decreasing overall, driven by habitat loss such as a 14.1% decline in tree cover within its range over the past three generations; however, this rate is not rapid enough to trigger higher threat categories. Locally, historical declines have been observed in several regions, including a reduction in where the resident is considered extinct since the , with migrants remaining uncommon. In , 30-40 breeding pairs persist in key areas like Yeoncheon Reserve. Monitoring efforts rely heavily on platforms such as eBird, which track migrant and breeding occurrences to inform trends, particularly in northern breeding grounds. Protected areas, including in , support significant subpopulations, contributing to overall stability despite regional variations. No systematic global monitoring scheme is in place, but the ' wide distribution helps mitigate the impact of localized losses.

Threats and protection

The primary threats to the Ruddy kingfisher stem from habitat loss, particularly and , which have resulted in an estimated 14.1% decline in tree cover across its range over the past three generations. In , clearance of mangroves for and coastal development has significantly impacted populations, especially in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, where loss of large breeding trees has reduced suitable nesting sites. Additional risks include disturbance from human activities and potential contamination of insect prey, though these are less documented for the species. The Ruddy kingfisher shows a suspected decreasing population trend due to these pressures, with medium dependency on forest habitats making it vulnerable to ongoing land-use changes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key sites across its range, including national parks such as Kerinci Seblat in , where the species occurs within preserved forest areas. Breeding sites in and other parts of its northern range benefit from habitat safeguards, while in , it is protected under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, prohibiting and . The species is not listed under , reflecting its Least Concern status, but conservation sites have been identified throughout its distribution to mitigate loss. Successes include localized population stabilization through habitat protection and reforestation initiatives in forested reserves, contributing to overall stability despite regional declines. The future outlook remains positive if forest loss is curtailed, given the species' wide range and adaptability, though continued monitoring is essential to address emerging pressures.
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.