The common paradise kingfisher, also known as the Galatea paradise kingfisher and the racquet-tailed kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests of the Maluku Islands and New Guinea. Like all paradise kingfishers, it has a red bill and colourful plumage. The species is common and the IUCN has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Region
Maluku Islands and New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occupies primary and secondary lowland rainforests, forest edges, and riverine gallery forests. Prefers dense, shaded understory with scattered perches for ambush hunting. Occurs on larger and smaller islands where continuous forest remains and can persist in selectively logged forest. Generally avoids open country but may use tall gardens or cocoa/shade plantations near forest.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A forest-dwelling kingfisher of the Maluku Islands and New Guinea, the common paradise kingfisher is famed for its long racquet-shaped tail streamers and bright red bill. It hunts by perching quietly in shaded understory and sallying to the ground to seize prey. Pairs often nest by tunneling into arboreal termite mounds or rotting wood. Also called the Galatea or racquet-tailed kingfisher, it varies in plumage among several island subspecies but remains locally common.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes through forest
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, defending territories within suitable forest. Breeding pairs excavate nesting tunnels in arboreal termite nests or decaying wood, lining chambers sparsely. Clutch size is small, and both sexes participate in incubation and feeding. Fledglings remain nearby while learning to hunt.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, fluty whistles and piping notes that carry through the understory, often delivered at dawn. Calls may form short repeating sequences, with softer chatter near the nest. Alarm notes are sharper and more abrupt.
