The Buru dwarf kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to Buru Island in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest on Buru, favoring dense, shaded understory near small streams and ravines. It keeps close to the forest floor, often along steep gullies and rootfalls where earthen banks provide nesting sites. It avoids open habitats and heavily degraded areas. The species is highly localized due to its island endemism, with occupancy tied to intact forest blocks.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Buru dwarf kingfisher is a tiny forest kingfisher restricted to Buru Island in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands. Unlike many kingfishers, it often forages away from open water, picking prey from leaves and leaf litter in shaded understory. It nests in short burrows excavated in earthen banks or root tangles. Its bright colors can be surprisingly cryptic in dappled forest light.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories along forested streamlets and ravines. Breeding pairs excavate short tunnel nests in soft banks or among exposed roots and lay a small clutch of white eggs. Both sexes likely share incubation and chick-feeding duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and squeaky notes delivered singly or in short series from concealed perches. Calls can accelerate into a brief trill when agitated, carrying softly through the understory.
Plumage
Compact, glossy plumage with rich rufous-orange head and underparts contrasting with deep bluish-violet mantle and wings; back shows iridescent blue highlights. Throat typically paler with a small whitish patch. Feathers appear tight and sleek, aiding quick, silent movement through dense foliage.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and ants, along with spiders and other small invertebrates. It occasionally takes tiny lizards or amphibians when encountered. Prey is usually gleaned from leaves, twigs, and the forest floor or snatched in short sallies from low perches.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shaded stream margins, root tangles, and dense understory within mature lowland forest. It uses low perches 0.5–3 m above ground, moving quietly between shadowed lookout points.
