The scaly-breasted kingfisher or regent kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae endemic to central and southwestern Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical, moist, montane forests.
Region
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical montane forest, typically in dense, mossy primary forest with a closed canopy. It frequents ravines, forested stream gullies, and steep slopes where perches overlook leaf-litter and understory clearings. The species tolerates little habitat degradation and is uncommon in secondary forest. Usually found singly or in pairs, keeping to shaded interior forest rather than edges.
Altitude Range
1000–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the regent kingfisher, it is a shy, forest-dwelling kingfisher of Sulawesi’s montane zones and is often heard before it is seen. The “scaly-breasted” name refers to the dark-edged feather pattern that gives the underparts a scalloped look. It hunts from low, shaded perches and is highly sensitive to forest disturbance, favoring intact primary habitat.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found alone or in pairs, maintaining territories within mature montane forest. Nests are believed to be in earthen banks or similar cavities, with both adults attending the young. Courtship and territorial calling peak at dawn during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives mellow, far-carrying whistles and hooting notes, often delivered in short series at dawn and dusk. Calls are simple but penetrating, aiding detection in dense forest.
Plumage
Upperparts largely greenish to bluish with darker mantle and wings; underparts buff to whitish with distinct dark scalloping giving a ‘scaly’ effect. Throat usually paler; crown and nape darker contrasting with the patterned breast.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars, as well as other arthropods like spiders and centipedes. It may also take small vertebrates, including lizards and frogs, when available. Prey is usually spotted from a low perch and taken in short sallies to the ground, foliage, or stream margins.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded interior forest, along trails, stream gullies, and small clearings under closed canopy. Often uses low, horizontal perches with good views of leaf-litter and undergrowth.
