Black-backed dwarf kingfisher

The black-backed dwarf kingfisher, also known as the three-toed kingfisher, is a pocket-sized bird in the family Alcedinidae. It was formerly considered as conspecific with the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher and together the species complex was known by the English name "oriental dwarf kingfisher".

Distribution

Region

South and Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Inhabits lowland and foothill evergreen forests, especially along shaded streams, ravines, and densely vegetated gullies. It also uses secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and forest edges provided there is dense understory cover. Often keeps to dark, humid microhabitats and perches quietly 1–3 m above the ground or water. Breeding typically occurs along earthen banks where it can excavate nesting burrows. It generally avoids open country and heavily disturbed areas.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size12–14 cm

Wing Span20–24 cm

Male Weight0.014 kg

Female Weight0.016 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the three-toed kingfisher, this tiny forest kingfisher is famed for its jewel-like colors and preference for shaded streams deep within tropical woodland. It was recently split from the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher, with the two formerly grouped as the 'oriental dwarf kingfisher'. Despite the name, it often hunts away from open water, taking prey from leaf litter and low perches.

Gallery

From Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Black-backed dwarf kingfisher in Abloli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India.

An oriental dwarf kingfisher perches on a moss-covered branch.

Bringing in feed for the young ones in the nest.

Adult from the last breeding season in August 2024 at Goa

In Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, India

Black-backed dwarf kingfisher with skink kill

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low through dense cover

Social Behavior

Usually seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Pairs excavate burrows in stream or path banks, where 3–5 eggs are laid; both sexes partake in incubation and feeding of young. Outside breeding, it remains elusive in dense understory and is seldom observed in large groups.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and sharp 'tsip' or 'tsee' notes, often repeated in a rapid series. The calls carry surprisingly well in forest but are brief and easily missed. Vocalizations are more frequent at dawn and near nesting sites.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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