The Mangareva kingfisher, also known as Tuamotu kingfisher, is a species of kingfisher in the family Alcedinidae, endemic to Niau in French Polynesia. It is classified as critically endangered.
Region
South Pacific (Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia)
Typical Environment
The species is confined to Niau, an atoll dominated by coconut groves interspersed with native coral-limestone (feo) forest. It favors edges between native forest and open areas, village clearings, and coconut plantations where suitable perches and nest cavities occur. Birds hunt from low to mid-level perches, sallying to the ground, trunks, or foliage to seize prey. It avoids continuous dense forest and is not tied to open water, behaving more like a terrestrial kingfisher.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 20 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Tuamotu kingfisher, it now survives only on Niau Atoll in French Polynesia. Its tiny range and ongoing habitat alteration make it one of the world’s most threatened kingfishers. Conservation work focuses on predator control, nest-site protection, and maintaining patches of native atoll forest. It is a perch-hunter that rarely fishes, despite the family name.
Temperament
territorial pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as solitary birds or bonded pairs that defend small territories year-round. Nests are placed in cavities, often in dead or decaying coconut palms or other suitable trees. Both sexes participate in incubation and feeding the chicks, using regular perches within the territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp kek or kik notes, rattling chatters, and repeated whistles used in territory advertisement. Calls are clear and carry well across open atoll habitats, often delivered from exposed perches.
