The rusty-capped kingfisher or Palau kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to Palau. The natural habitat of this species is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the Micronesian kingfisher.
Region
Micronesia (Palau)
Typical Environment
Occurs across the main islands of Palau in subtropical to tropical moist lowland forests, secondary growth, and forest edges. It also uses coastal woodland and mangroves, especially where suitable perches are available. The species is tolerant of some habitat mosaic and can be seen near clearings and plantations. It forages primarily within the mid-canopy to lower canopy and along forest margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 250 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the Palau kingfisher, this island species was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Micronesian kingfisher. It is largely forest-dwelling and not strongly tied to water, hunting from perches for insects and small lizards. Pairs defend territories year-round and nest in natural cavities or soft wood, sometimes using arboreal termite nests.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in monogamous pairs that maintain territories throughout the year. Nests are placed in natural cavities, rotting trunks, or arboreal termite mounds; both sexes participate in excavation and care. Clutch size is small, and pairs may reuse favored sites across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, repeated kek-kek notes and harsher rattling series delivered from prominent perches. Calls carry well through forest and are most frequent at dawn and early morning.
Plumage
Compact kingfisher with a rich rufous crown contrasting with blue upperparts and a clean, pale throat and underparts in males; females show warmer, more buffy underparts. Wings and tail are bright blue, giving a striking two-toned appearance. Plumage is smooth with minimal streaking.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas, supplemented by spiders and small lizards. It occasionally takes small crabs or other invertebrates near coastal habitats. Prey is typically spotted from a perch and seized in quick sallies, then subdued against a branch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Hunts from shaded perches within forest mid-levels and along edges, often overlooking clearings or paths that concentrate prey. In coastal areas it may forage near mangroves and along wooded shorelines.
