The dimorphic dwarf kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to the central and southern Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Inhabits primary and mature secondary tropical moist lowland forests, particularly dense understory and ravines. Often found along shaded streams and in gullies but also forages in interior forest away from water. Prefers intact forest with thick canopy cover and tangled understory, where it uses low perches. Tolerates some disturbance but declines where extensive logging and conversion reduce cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny forest kingfisher is endemic to the central and southern Philippines and favors shaded, humid lowland interiors. It is aptly named for its sexual dimorphism, with males and females differing subtly in underpart tones and sheen. Like many dwarf kingfishers, it often hunts away from open water, sallying from low perches to snatch prey from leaves and the forest floor.
A Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher depicted in a 2007 Philippine stamp
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs in the breeding season. Nests in burrows excavated in earthen banks or streamside cuttings, where both sexes may participate in digging and incubation. Territorial in dense understory and often remains motionless between short sallies.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseep notes and soft, whistled sequences, often delivered from a shaded perch. Calls are quiet and can be easily missed in cicada-rich forests.
Plumage
Compact, with glossy rufous to orange upperparts suffused with lilac-violet sheen, and clean pale throat. Underparts range from whitish to buff/orange depending on sex, with some bluish spotting on the wings and mantle. Wings are short and rounded; tail is very short.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars, along with spiders and other small arthropods. Occasionally snaps up small geckos or tiny frogs when available. Hunts by perch-and-sally, picking prey from leaves, trunks, and the forest floor.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dim, closed-canopy forest, often near shaded streams, ravines, and dense thickets. Uses low perches 1–3 m above ground to watch for prey before dropping to snatch it.
