The Niau kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to the island of Niau in French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, plantations and rural gardens. Only 125 individuals remain in the wild. The Niau kingfisher is a multicolored, with bright blue feathers, a dusty orange head, and a bright green back. The entire population of these birds lives in Niau, and without serious intervention, they will likely become extinct.
Region
Tuamotu Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Niau Atoll, inhabiting subtropical/tropical dry forest remnants, coconut plantations, and village gardens. It favors edges and openings where perches overlook leaf litter and low shrubs for ambush feeding. Native Pisonia and Pandanus thickets are important for nesting and foraging. The species is absent from treeless or heavily disturbed areas and relies on scattered mature trees for cavities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 20 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Niau kingfisher is confined to a single atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and was once treated as a form of the Tahiti kingfisher. Its survival hinges on small patches of native dry forest amid coconut plantations and rural gardens. Predation and habitat degradation place it at extreme risk, and intensive local conservation action is needed to prevent extinction.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as solitary birds or in territorial pairs. Pairs are presumed monogamous and defend small territories that include suitable nest cavities in dead stubs or older coconut palms. Nesting likely involves cavity excavation or use of pre-existing holes, with both adults tending young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, metallic keks and piercing whistles from exposed perches. Territorial calls can be repeated in series, interspersed with harsh scolds when intruders approach. Overall vocalizations are loud and carry well across the atoll’s open habitats.
Plumage
Compact forest kingfisher with a bright blue mantle and wings, green-tinged back, and warm orangish head contrasting with a clean whitish throat and underparts. Feathers are sleek with a slightly glossy sheen on the upperparts. A dark eye-line accentuates the face, and a pale collar can be evident around the neck.
Diet
Primarily takes large insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars, captured by sallying from low to mid-level perches. It will also snatch small lizards or crustaceans when available. Prey is often subdued by striking against the perch before being swallowed. Foraging is patient and perch-centered, with short flights to the ground or vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in coconut groves, and around village gardens where perches overlook open ground. Retains a preference for native dry forest patches with scattered mature trees. Avoids extensive treeless zones and heavily manicured areas lacking natural perches.
