The Pohnpei kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to Pohnpei. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the Micronesian kingfisher.
Region
Micronesia (western Pacific)
Typical Environment
Restricted to Pohnpei Island, where it inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest, secondary growth, and agroforests. It is often found along forest edges, clearings, and near streams where hunting perches are available. The species tolerates some habitat alteration and may occur in gardens with mature trees. Mangrove margins and coconut groves are occasionally used if suitable perches and cover are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pohnpei kingfisher is a forest-dwelling kingfisher found only on the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. It hunts from low to mid-level perches, striking prey on the ground or on trunks with swift sallies. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Micronesian kingfisher but is now recognized as a distinct species. Its ringing whistles are a characteristic sound of Pohnpei’s lowland forests.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs that defend well-defined territories. Pairs are monogamous and nest in tree cavities or occasionally in arboreal termite nests. Both sexes participate in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal, giving a series of clear, ringing whistles and sharp, repeated calls that carry through the forest. Alarm notes are harsher chatters, while territorial songs are slower, evenly spaced whistles.
Plumage
Compact, stocky kingfisher with glossy blue to turquoise upperparts and rich rufous to cinnamon underparts, contrasted by a pale throat and collar. The crown and nape can show warm tones blending into the mantle. Upperwings and tail are blue with darker flight feathers.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and orthopterans. It also takes spiders and small vertebrates like lizards when available. Prey are typically seized on the ground, from trunks, or low foliage after short dashes from a perch, then subdued by beating against a branch.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, light gaps, and stream margins where visibility from perches is good. It also forages in secondary forest and mixed agroforests with scattered tall trees.
