The North Solomons dwarf kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to the west and central Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Solomon Islands archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in west and central parts of the Solomon Islands archipelago, favoring primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest. It keeps to shaded understory and midstory along small ravines, stream gullies, and dense thickets. Birds are most often seen perched quietly a meter or two above the forest floor, sallying to the ground or low vegetation to seize prey. It generally avoids open areas and heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny forest kingfisher was split from the Variable Dwarf Kingfisher complex and is confined to parts of the Solomon Islands archipelago. Despite the name “kingfisher,” it is largely a forest-floor insect hunter and isn’t tied to open water. It prefers dense, undisturbed lowland rainforest and is sensitive to habitat loss from logging. Its vivid orange underparts and electric-blue upperparts make brief flashes of color as it darts between shaded perches.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories within forest interiors. Nests are thought to be excavated in earthen banks or rotting arboreal termitaria, with both adults participating in excavation and care. Courtship involves soft calls and short chases through shaded understory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and soft, squeaky notes, often delivered from a shaded perch. Vocalizations are brief and can be easily overlooked against forest ambient sounds.
Plumage
Bright, glossy blue to violet-blue upperparts with a contrasting rufous-orange head and underparts; small white throat patch and bluish rump. Feathers are sleek and compact, giving a neat, glossy appearance. Wings show iridescent blue spotting when seen in good light.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, crickets, spiders, and caterpillars. It occasionally takes small snails or tiny lizards when available. Prey is typically taken by short sallies from low perches or by pouncing to the forest floor.
Preferred Environment
Hunts within dense lowland rainforest, especially along shaded stream courses, vine tangles, and leaf-littered gullies. Often forages 0.5–2 m above the ground, using quiet perches with good views of the forest floor.
