Hook-billed kingfisher

The hook-billed kingfisher is a species of kingfisher in the subfamily Halcyoninae that is resident in the lowland forested areas of New Guinea and some of the nearby islands. It is the only member of the genus Melidora.

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Distribution

Region

New Guinea and surrounding islands

Typical Environment

Occurs throughout lowland and foothill rainforest across New Guinea, including some adjacent islands on the New Guinea shelf. Prefers primary and mature secondary forest with dense understory, but also uses swamp forest, forest edges, and riverine corridors. Often remains close to shaded streams and in damp gullies where leaf litter is deep. It perches quietly a few meters above the ground and forages on or near the forest floor.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size25–28 cm

Wing Span35–40 cm

Male Weight0.13 kg

Female Weight0.12 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This is the sole member of the genus Melidora and is notable for its massive, strongly hooked bill. It keeps to the dim understory of New Guinea’s forests and is often heard before it is seen. The powerful bill is used to pry and probe in leaf litter and decaying wood for hidden prey.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and sedentary

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between low to mid-level perches

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs within well-defined territories. It spends long periods motionless on low perches before dropping to the ground or sallying to nearby substrates to capture prey. Breeding pairs maintain quiet contact calls and nest in concealed cavities. Parental care is shared, with both adults provisioning the nestlings.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives loud, ringing whistles and mellow, far-carrying calls that travel through dense forest, often delivered at dawn and dusk. Calls are repeated in deliberate sequences with pauses, making the bird easier to locate by ear than by sight.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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