The blue-and-white kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to North Maluku in Indonesia. It can be found on the islands of Morotai, Ngelengele, Halmahera, Damar, Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Bacan, Obi and Obilatu.
Region
North Maluku, Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to North Maluku, occurring on Morotai, Ngelengele, Halmahera, Damar, Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Bacan, Obi and Obilatu. It occupies lowland and foothill habitats including forest edges, secondary forest, coastal woodland, mangroves, plantations and village groves. The species favors areas with scattered perches near clearings or water. It can be locally common where suitable perches and nesting sites exist. Human-modified mosaics with remnant trees are frequently used.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking island kingfisher, the blue-and-white kingfisher shows vivid cobalt-blue upperparts contrasted with clean white underparts. It is closely related to the collared kingfisher but is restricted to North Maluku. Pairs often nest in arboreal termite mounds or tree cavities. Although sensitive to heavy forest loss, it tolerates secondary growth and gardens near forest edges.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs that defend territories year-round. Pairs perch quietly and sally for prey from exposed branches. Nesting is usually in arboreal termite mounds or natural cavities in trees. Both sexes likely participate in excavation and provisioning of chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls include sharp, repeated kek or kek-kek notes and harsh rattles. Also gives clear piping whistles when agitated or during territorial exchanges. Vocalizations carry well across forest edges and coastal groves.
Plumage
Glossy cobalt-blue upperparts with white throat, breast and belly; often a neat white collar and clean demarcation between blue mantle and white underparts.
Diet
Takes a variety of small prey including large insects, spiders, small lizards, crabs and occasionally small fish. Hunts from an open perch, dropping to the ground, foliage or shallow water to seize prey. Items are often beaten against the perch before swallowing. Diet composition shifts with local availability across forest edge and coastal habitats.
Preferred Environment
Perches along forest edges, mangroves, beach scrub, gardens and plantations with scattered trees. Frequently hunts near clearings, streams, village ponds and coastal flats where visibility is good.
