Flat-billed kingfisher
| Flat-billed kingfisher | |
|---|---|
_Upolu.jpg) | |
| Upolu, Samoa | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Coraciiformes |
| Family: | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily: | Halcyoninae |
| Genus: | Todiramphus |
| Species: | T. recurvirostris |
| Binomial name | |
| Todiramphus recurvirostris Lafresnaye, 1842 | |
The flat-billed kingfisher (Todiramphus recurvirostris) is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to Samoa.
Distribution
Flat-billed kingfishers''' are found on the islands of Upolu and Savai'i in lowland and coastal areas.[2] They were not found in upland forests above 1,200m, most likely because food items become increasingly scarce with increased elevation.[2]
Description
The flat-billed kingfisher is a compact bird characterized by a comparatively short, shallow, and wide bill. It features deep blue wings, a greenish-blue back, and a blue cap. A distinct buffy-white patch is located in front of the eye, which narrows above it to form an eyebrow. Its underparts exhibit a cinnamon wash.The species produces a vocalization consisting of a series of short, sharp "kik" notes.[3]
Lifespan
In the wild, the flat-billed kingfisher has a typical lifespan of approximately 6 to 10 years. This lifespan is comparable to related small-to-medium alcedinid species, such as the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), which typically lives between 7 and 10 years. In contrast, larger family members like the laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) can exceed 15 years of age.[4]
Ecology
Like other species of kingfishers, the flat-billed kingfisher eats a variety of different food sources. However, they appear to be somewhat reliant on large insects and reptiles as part of their diet.[2]
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2016). "Todiramphus recurvirostris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T22683368A92985172. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22683368A92985172.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- 1 2 3 Wilson Orithological Society (2016). "NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY, TAXONOMY, AND CONSERVATION OF THE ENDEMIC AVIFAUNA OF THE SAMOAN ARCHIPELAGO".
- ↑ "Flat-billed Kingfisher - eBird". ebird.org. Retrieved 2026-07-12.
- ↑ "Flat-billed Kingfisher - BirdBuddy Wiki". web-61vyxig18-bird-buddy-488f2fbd.vercel.app. Retrieved 2026-07-12.
