The brown-headed paradise kingfisher, also known as the russet paradise kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to the lowland forest in the Bird's Tail Peninsula. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Like all paradise kingfishers this bird has colourful plumage with a red bill and distinctive long tail streamers. No subspecies are distinguished.
Region
Papuan Peninsula, New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests, favoring dense, humid interiors as well as forest edges and secondary growth. It is often found along shaded creeks, vine tangles, and in areas with abundant arboreal termite nests for breeding. The species perches quietly in the mid to lower strata, making short sallies to the ground or foliage. It tolerates some disturbance but remains tied to forested habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the russet paradise kingfisher, it is a striking forest kingfisher with a red bill and long white tail streamers. It nests by excavating tunnels in arboreal termite mounds, a hallmark of many paradise kingfishers. Typically quiet and elusive in dense understory, it reveals itself with clear, piping whistles. No subspecies are recognized.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within forest. Courtship includes calling and food exchanges, with both sexes participating in nesting. They excavate a tunnel into arboreal termite mounds where 2–4 eggs are laid and incubated by both parents.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, piping whistles that carry through the forest, often repeated at intervals. Calls may include softer contact notes and occasional harsh scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Glossy blue mantle and wings with contrasting rufous-brown head and upper breast; clean white underparts and rump. Elongated white tail streamers extend well beyond the tail. Plumage is smooth and sleek with slight iridescence on the blue areas.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, orthopterans, caterpillars, and ants, taken from foliage, trunks, or the forest floor. It also seizes spiders and occasionally small lizards or other small invertebrates. Prey is typically spotted from a low to mid-level perch and snatched in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages within shaded understory and midstory, along trails, clearings, and stream margins inside forest. Regularly uses low perches 1–5 m above ground to scan for prey.
