The Guadalcanal dwarf kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to Guadalcanal Island. Its natural habitat is sub-tropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal)
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist lowland forests across Guadalcanal, favoring dense, shaded understory. It is most often found along small streams, in ravines, and within mature or late-successional secondary forest. The species avoids open country and heavily degraded areas. It may persist in selectively logged forest if sufficient understory cover remains. Nesting typically occurs in burrows excavated in stream banks or rotting logs within forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Guadalcanal dwarf kingfisher is a tiny forest kingfisher confined to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. It keeps to the dark understory, where it hunts quietly from low perches and is often detected only by its sharp, high-pitched calls. Like many island dwarf kingfishers, it depends on intact lowland rainforest and is sensitive to habitat loss from logging. It typically nests in short burrows in earthen banks or decayed wood.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Pairs defend small territories along shaded streams or within dense forest. Both sexes are thought to excavate a short nesting burrow and share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and short, repeated ticking notes that carry in dense forest. Vocalizations are brief but frequent at dawn and after rain. Calls often reveal its presence long before it is seen.
Plumage
Compact, glossy plumage with bright rufous-orange head and underparts and vivid cobalt to ultramarine upperparts; clean white throat. Feathers appear smooth and sleek, with a noticeable sheen on the mantle and scapulars.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, crickets, and ants, as well as spiders and other small arthropods. It hunts by sit-and-wait from low perches, making quick sallies to the ground or nearby foliage. Occasionally takes small snails or tiny lizards when available. Prey is subdued and swallowed whole.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded forest understory, along fallen logs, vine tangles, and stream margins. Prefers quiet, cluttered microhabitats with abundant perches and leaf litter. Rarely ventures into open edges or plantations.
