Great-billed kingfisher

The great-billed kingfisher or black-billed kingfisher is a species of bird in the subfamily Halcyoninae. It is endemic to the Sulawesi region of Indonesia. It can be found on the island of Sulawesi and in the Sula Archipelago.

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Distribution

Region

Sulawesi region, Indonesia

Typical Environment

Primarily encountered in coastal mangrove forests, tidal creeks, estuaries, and along lowland forest rivers. It perches quietly above water or mudflats and forages in shaded channels and along forest edges. Occurs on Sulawesi and nearby island groups such as the Sula Archipelago. Locally it can extend slightly inland along larger rivers and wetlands with dense riparian vegetation.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 900 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size28–34 cm

Wing Span45–55 cm

Male Weight0.12 kg

Female Weight0.13 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A large tree-kingfisher with a massive black bill, it is confined to the Sulawesi region and nearby island groups of Indonesia. It frequents mangroves, estuaries, and lowland rivers where it hunts fish and crustaceans from shaded perches. Its dependence on coastal forests makes it vulnerable to mangrove loss and shoreline development. The striking dark bill and deep blue upperparts help separate it from other large kingfishers.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually encountered alone or in pairs, defending linear stretches of mangrove channels or rivers. Breeding pairs nest in cavities, typically in tree holes or arboreal termite nests within coastal or riverine forest. Courtship includes loud calling and mutual bill displays. Both parents participate in nesting duties.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are loud, ringing series of harsh kek-kek or kyak-kyak notes, often delivered from an exposed perch. Calls carry far over mangroves, especially at dawn and dusk, and may accelerate into a chattering sequence during territorial displays.

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Identification

Leg Colordark grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Robust tree-kingfisher with deep blue upperparts and contrasting warm buff to rufous underparts. The head is darker with a pale throat and a prominent, very large black bill. Wings and tail are rich blue; the back often shows a glossy or cobalt sheen. Overall appearance is bold and cleanly contrasted.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Takes small fish, crabs, shrimps, and aquatic insects; occasionally frogs and small reptiles. Hunts by sitting quietly on a low perch above water, then plunging or sallying to seize prey. It may also glean crabs from mudbanks at low tide. Prey is typically beaten against a perch before swallowing.

Preferred Environment

Feeds along shaded mangrove creeks, estuary edges, and slow-flowing rivers bordered by dense vegetation. Will use overhanging branches, roots, and mangrove pneumatophores as hunting perches.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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