The Talaud kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae.
Region
Wallacea
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the Talaud Islands north of Sulawesi, where it inhabits lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It also uses coconut groves, gardens, and lightly wooded farmland when large trees remain for perching and nesting. Coastal woodland and mangrove fringes may be used locally, especially where forest meets shore. It typically hunts from shaded perches along edges, clearings, and tracks within forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Talaud kingfisher is a forest kingfisher restricted to Indonesia’s remote Talaud Islands, part of the Alcedinidae family. It is closely related to the collared/sacred kingfisher complex and often perches conspicuously while hunting. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion is the primary threat. Despite its name, it feeds mostly on land-dwelling prey rather than fish.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs that defend well-defined territories. Pairs nest in tree cavities, decayed trunks, or arboreal termite mounds; both sexes excavate and attend the nest. Courtship involves calling duets and display flights around favored perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sharp, repeated kek-kek or krrrrk series, often delivered from an exposed perch. Calls are loud and carry through forest edges, with scolding rattles when disturbed.
Plumage
Glossy blue to blue‑green upperparts with clean white underparts and a contrasting white collar. A dark eye‑stripe runs from the bill through the eye, bordered by white on the throat and cheeks. The wings and tail are bright blue; underparts may show a faint buff wash on the flanks.
Diet
Primarily feeds on large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas, taken by sallying from a perch. Also captures spiders, small lizards, and occasionally small frogs or crabs. Prey is typically subdued by striking it against the perch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, clearings, plantation borders, and mangrove or coastal woodland margins where perches overlook open ground. Often uses low to mid-level branches with clear sightlines to the ground or understory.
