The northern silvery kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to the Philippines being found in the Visayas on the islands of Bohol, Leyte and Samar. This species and the southern silvery kingfisher, which is found on Mindanao, were formerly considered conspecific and called the silvery kingfisher. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests, streams and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Philippines (Visayas)
Typical Environment
Occurs along forested lowland streams and small rivers within primary and mature secondary rainforest. It prefers shaded, clear, slow to moderate-flowing creeks with intact riparian vegetation. The species will use slightly degraded forest if dense streamside cover remains, but it avoids open country and heavily silted waterways. Territories often follow stretches of stream with overhanging branches that provide low perches for hunting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking little kingfisher is confined to the Visayas of the Philippines and was split from the southern silvery kingfisher of Mindanao. It favors clear, shaded forest streams and is highly sensitive to forest loss and siltation. The bird’s upperparts sparkle with silvery-blue spangling that flashes in low light, and it is more often heard than seen along quiet creeks.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, fast flights low over water with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs along stream territories. Nests in burrows excavated in earthen banks or shaded streamside slopes. Pair bonds are maintained with soft calls and courtship feeding; both sexes likely participate in excavation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and tseep notes, often from a shaded perch over water. Calls can accelerate into a brief series when alarmed or during territorial encounters.
