The Pacific kingfisher is a medium-sized kingfisher belonging to the subfamily Halcyoninae, the tree kingfishers. It has a wide range throughout the South Pacific islands. It was previously considered a subspecies of the collared kingfisher.
Region
South Pacific islands
Typical Environment
Found across numerous oceanic islands in the South Pacific, occupying coastal mangroves, beach strand vegetation, open woodlands, and forest edges. It also frequents plantations, village areas, and coconut groves where suitable perches are available. Along rivers and lagoons it hunts from conspicuous lookouts, but it is equally at home in inland secondary forest. It tolerates a mosaic of habitats so long as nest sites and hunting perches are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pacific kingfisher is a tree kingfisher of the South Pacific islands and was formerly treated within the widespread Collared Kingfisher complex. Island populations show notable variation in size and plumage, with many named subspecies. It often nests in tree cavities or arboreal termite mounds and readily uses human-altered habitats such as coconut groves and gardens.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as singles or pairs that defend territories year-round. Pairs nest in cavities excavated in rotten wood, arboreal termite mounds, or occasionally in earthen banks. Both sexes participate in nest excavation and provisioning of chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, metallic keks and staccato chatter, often from exposed perches. Calls can escalate into rattling series during territorial encounters.
