The Sangihe dwarf kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to the Sangihe Islands, Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Sangihe, where it favors dense primary and well-structured secondary forest. It keeps to dark, humid ravines, stream margins, and thick understory where perches are 1–3 m above the ground. It avoids open country and heavily degraded plantation mosaics. Remaining strongholds are in small forest tracts, particularly around Mount Sahendaruman and adjacent hill forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny, jewel-toned kingfisher is confined to the Sangihe Islands of Indonesia and is among the archipelago’s most threatened birds. Unlike many kingfishers, it hunts mainly in the shaded forest understory rather than over open water. It is extremely sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation. Nesting is believed to occur in burrows excavated in earthen banks along shaded streams or ravines.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or found in pairs, defending small territories along shaded streams and gullies. Courtship likely involves quiet calling and perch displays within dense cover. Nests are presumed to be burrows excavated in earthen banks or steep stream sides, where both adults may participate in excavation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and soft, repeated peeps from concealed perches. Calls are short and subdued, often delivered at dawn or in overcast conditions.
