The rufous-lored kingfisher, also known as Winchell's kingfisher, is a species of bird in the kingfisher family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to the Philippines, its natural habitat consists of tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by deforestation, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as a vulnerable species.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland forests, often below the midstory canopy. Prefers dense, humid interiors but will use forest edges and riverine strips where cover remains. Typically avoids open agricultural lands and heavily degraded habitats. It is most frequently recorded on larger islands with remaining lowland forest tracts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, this forest kingfisher is not tied to water and hunts from shaded perches inside dense tropical forest. Its rufous lores (the area between the bill and eye) give the species its common name. It is threatened mainly by lowland deforestation across the Philippines, particularly logging and conversion to agriculture. Calls are often heard at dawn and dusk, making detection easier than visual sightings.
Male ssp. mindanensis
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining territories within suitable forest. Nests are believed to be placed in tree cavities or arboreal termite nests, like many forest kingfishers. Both sexes likely participate in nesting and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, ringing whistles and piping notes, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls carry through the forest at dawn and dusk, aiding contact between mates and territorial advertisement.
Plumage
Glossy blue upperparts with a contrasting pale throat and underparts washed buff; the lores and ear-coverts are distinctly rufous. The crown and mantle are deep blue, wings and tail blue with darker flight feathers. Underparts are pale buff to whitish with minimal streaking.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars, taken by sallying from low to mid-level perches. Will also seize small lizards, spiders, and other arthropods when available. Prey is subdued by beating against a perch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within shaded interior forest and along semi-open edges where perches overlook leaf litter or low vegetation. Often selects quiet, undisturbed spots with good cover.
