The flat-billed kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to Samoa.
Region
Samoan Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across the main forested and agricultural landscapes of Samoa, favoring forest edges, secondary growth, coconut groves, gardens, and plantations. It tolerates human-altered habitats and is frequently seen along roadsides and village perimeters. The species uses scattered trees and utility lines as hunting perches. Dense primary forest is used less often than edges and openings where prey is easier to spot.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Samoan kingfisher, this species is confined to the Samoan Islands and is often seen perched on wires or exposed branches scanning for prey. Unlike many kingfishers, it hunts mostly on land, taking insects and small lizards rather than fish. It nests in cavities, including rotten tree trunks and occasionally arboreal termite nests. Its broad, somewhat flattened bill gives the species its common name.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs defend territories using loud calls and display flights. Nests are placed in tree cavities, rotten coconut palms, or occasionally arboreal termite mounds, with both parents participating in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are loud, metallic rattles and repeated kek-kek or chattering phrases that carry across open habitats. Alarm notes are sharp and clipped; territorial displays include rapid, ringing series of notes.
Plumage
Glossy blue to blue-green upperparts with pale underparts and a contrasting dark facial mask; often a pale buff or whitish collar and throat. Wings and tail show brighter blue tones; underparts may show a faint buff wash. Plumage appears clean and smooth, with a compact, stocky profile.
Diet
Feeds primarily on large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and dragonflies, taken by sallying from a perch. Also captures small lizards and other small terrestrial prey when available. Prey is often struck against a perch to subdue it before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Hunts from exposed perches along forest edges, gardens, plantations, and roadside trees. Frequently uses utility wires, fence posts, and low branches to scan open ground or foliage for prey.
