The rufous-collared kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill evergreen forests across Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia (including Borneo and Sumatra). It favors intact primary forest but may persist in selectively logged forest and swamp or peat-forest mosaics. Typically keeps to interior and edge of dense forest, sometimes near streams yet not strictly tied to water. Its secretive habits and preference for shaded midstory perches make it easy to overlook.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, this forest kingfisher seldom fishes and instead hunts large insects and small vertebrates from shaded perches. It is notoriously elusive, often remaining motionless in the midstory of dense primary forest. The species is sensitive to forest fragmentation and logging, which explains many of its local declines.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense forest
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within mature forest. Forages by sallying from low to midstory perches, dropping to the ground or snag to seize prey. Nests are thought to be placed in cavities such as rotten stumps, earth banks, or arboreal termitaria, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, piping series of whistled notes that may descend slightly in pitch and carry well through forest. Calls are often given at dawn and dusk, with occasional harsher chattering notes when agitated.
