The red-breasted paradise kingfisher or fairy paradise kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical mangrove forest.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the lowland rainforests and mangrove belts of New Guinea, on both the Papua New Guinea and Indonesian (Papua) sides of the island. It favors dense, humid forest interiors, riverine gallery forests, swamp forests, and mangroves with ample shaded perches. Birds are most often encountered near streams and forest edges where light gaps aid foraging. It tolerates some secondary growth but is most common in mature lowland forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the fairy paradise-kingfisher, it is a striking forest kingfisher with elongated white tail streamers. It frequents dense lowland rainforest and mangroves across New Guinea, where it hunts quietly from low perches. Like many paradise-kingfishers, it often nests in active arboreal termite mounds, which provide stable temperature and protection. Its long streamers are used in displays and can make the bird appear larger to rivals.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift dashes through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense lowland forest. Pairs nest in arboreal termite nests or earthen termitaria, excavating a chamber together. Both parents incubate and feed the young, which fledge quickly to avoid predation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of clear, piping whistles, often given at dawn from a concealed perch. Calls can accelerate into a mellow, descending sequence and are repeated at intervals. Soft chattering notes are used in close-contact communication between mates.
Plumage
Glossy blue upperparts with contrasting white tail streamers; underparts show a rich red to rufous breast merging into paler belly. Throat is whitish, and the head appears dark with a clean facial pattern. Wings are deep blue, and the long central tail feathers extend well beyond the tail.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, orthopterans, caterpillars, and ants. Also consumes spiders, centipedes, and occasionally small lizards or frogs. It hunts by sit-and-wait, dropping to the ground or snatching prey from foliage and dead wood.
Preferred Environment
Feeds from shaded low perches 1–3 meters above the ground within dense rainforest and mangrove edges. Forages along stream margins, forest tracks, and light gaps where prey is more visible.
