The islet kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae.
Region
Tropical Indo-Pacific islands
Typical Environment
Found on small oceanic islets, coral cays, and coastal margins of larger islands. It favors beach scrub, pandanus thickets, coconut groves, and mangrove edges, typically within sight of the shoreline. Birds use open perches to watch for prey and make short, direct sallies to the ground, intertidal flats, or shallow water. It adapts to lightly disturbed habitats but is sensitive to extensive vegetation clearing or the presence of invasive predators.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The islet kingfisher is a small coastal kingfisher of the family Alcedinidae, typically associated with tiny oceanic islets and shorelines. It often perches conspicuously on driftwood, low branches, or rocks to scan for prey. Like many kingfishers, it is more terrestrial than its name suggests, frequently taking insects and small crabs from the ground or intertidal zones. Pairs are strongly territorial around nesting and feeding sites.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that defend small coastal territories. Nests are typically in natural tree cavities, rotting trunks, or similar cavities; both sexes participate in excavating/cleaning and incubation. Clutch size is small, and both adults provision the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, repeated chatters and ringing keks, often delivered from exposed perches. Alarm notes are harsher and more rattling, while territorial displays include rapid series of loud notes.
Plumage
Compact kingfisher with glossy blue to blue‑green upperparts, clean white underparts, and a contrasting white collar; dark mask through the eye.
Diet
Takes insects, small crabs, and other invertebrates from beaches, wrack lines, and mangrove margins. Will also seize small lizards and occasionally tiny fish in shallow pools. Hunts by watch-and-pounce from low perches and by short ground sallies. Swallows prey whole or beats it against a perch to subdue.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along sandy or rocky shorelines, mangrove edges, and open clearings in coastal scrub. Commonly uses driftwood, fence posts, and low branches as vantage points near the intertidal zone.
