The Indigo-banded kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found on the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Masbate and the Western Visayas region. Some authorities consider this to be two separate species namely the birds from Western Visayas as the South indigo banded kingfisher and the birds from Luzon, Mindoro and Masbate as the North indigo banded kingfisher. Its habitat are in streams in tropical moist lowland forest. It is declining in population due to habitat loss and degradation.
Region
Philippine archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs along clear, slow to moderate-flowing forest streams and shaded creeks within lowland to foothill evergreen forest. It prefers stretches with overhanging vegetation, exposed roots, and midstream boulders that offer low hunting perches. The species avoids heavily silted or polluted waters and is sensitive to riparian disturbance. It is patchy in occurrence, concentrating where intact forest and good water quality persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, stream-dependent kingfisher restricted to the Philippines, it favors clear, shaded forest creeks. Males typically show a double indigo breast band, while females usually have a single band. Its reliance on pristine water makes it a good indicator of stream health. It often hunts from very low perches, making short, direct dashes to the water.
A male Northern indigo-banded kingfisher
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs along short defended stretches of stream. Nests in burrows excavated into vertical stream banks or earthy slopes, with both sexes participating in digging and incubation. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging and during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin whistles and sharp tsip notes, often given in short series. Calls carry along streams but are not loud, making the bird easy to overlook. Song per se is limited; contact and alarm notes are more commonly heard.
