The New Georgia dwarf kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to the west central Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat is sub-tropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
West-central Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and lightly disturbed tropical moist lowland forests on islands of the New Georgia group. It favors dense understory near small streams, swampy thickets, and shaded ravines but also uses mature secondary forest. Birds perch quietly a meter or two above the ground and sally to the leaf litter or low foliage to snatch prey. It generally avoids open country and heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly treated as part of the variable dwarf kingfisher complex (Ceyx lepidus), it was elevated to species after genetic studies revealed deep island-based divergences. It is a tiny forest kingfisher that hunts from low perches in dark understory. Despite the name, it rarely fishes, taking mostly terrestrial invertebrates. Ongoing logging in the Solomon Islands could affect its habitat locally.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories along shaded forest gullies. Breeding pairs likely excavate a burrow in an earthen bank or rotting log, as in other dwarf kingfishers. Clutch size is small, and both parents are thought to share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and sharp tiks delivered from low perches, often repeated in short series. Vocalizations are subtle and can be easily overlooked in dense forest.
Plumage
Compact, with rich rufous-orange underparts and face, contrasting with vivid cobalt to ultramarine upperparts and mantle; crown often shows bluish-violet spotting or sheen. The throat is pale to whitish, and the back/rump gleams bright blue. Feathers are sleek and glossy, giving a bright, clean look in dappled light.
Diet
Consumes insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, and orthopterans; may also take small lizards or frogs opportunistically. Hunts by watching from a low, shaded perch and making quick pounces to the forest floor or foliage. Prey is usually subdued by tapping and swallowed whole.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dark, humid understory of lowland rainforest, especially along small streams, seepages, and vine tangles. Often forages along narrow trails or natural openings where it can sally to the ground.
