The Sangihe lilac kingfisher is a species of kingfisher in the genus Cittura, endemic to the lowlands of the Indonesian island of Sangihe. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Sulawesi lilac kingfisher, but was split as a distinct species by the IUCN Red List and BirdLife International in 2014, and the International Ornithological Congress and Clements followed suit in 2022.
Region
Sangihe Islands (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Restricted to lowland and foothill forests on Sangihe, using dense interior forest, edge, and riparian corridors. It perches quietly in shaded understory and midstory, often near clearings or along small streams. The species tolerates some secondary growth but depends on patches of mature forest with large trees and natural cavities.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A forest-dwelling kingfisher confined to the island of Sangihe in Indonesia, it favors lowland primary and semi-degraded forest. It was long treated as a subspecies of the Sulawesi lilac kingfisher but is now recognized as a distinct species. Its tiny range and ongoing habitat loss make it highly susceptible to decline, and it is most vocal at dawn and dusk with a series of mellow descending whistles.
Temperament
shy and crepuscular-edge active
Flight Pattern
short direct flights with rapid wingbeats between shaded perches
Social Behavior
Typically observed singly or in pairs that defend territories within forest patches. Pairs likely nest in cavities, including arboreal termitaria or earthen banks, as is typical of forest kingfishers. Both adults participate in rearing young and maintain close contact via calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of mellow, descending whistles that carry through the forest at dawn and dusk. Also gives sharp chips and harsher notes when agitated.
Plumage
Compact forest kingfisher with rich rufous-brown upperparts, blue wings, and a contrasting lilac wash on the face and breast band. Throat is pale to whitish with a dark facial mask; underparts buffy with lilac tones across the upper breast.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and mantises, and will also take spiders and other arthropods. It occasionally captures small vertebrates like lizards or frogs. Prey is usually taken in short sallies from a shaded perch and swallowed whole.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense lowland forest, along stream margins, and at forest edges where light gaps attract insects. Often uses low to mid-level perches with clear strike lanes to the ground or understory foliage.
