The Vanuatu kingfisher or chestnut-bellied kingfisher is a medium-sized kingfisher found only on the islands of Espiritu Santo, Malo and Malakula in Vanuatu.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
This species occupies lowland and hill forests on Espiritu Santo, Malo, and Malakula. It uses primary rainforest as well as secondary growth, forest edges, and lightly wooded plantations. Birds perch quietly in shaded mid-story or along forest margins and sally to the ground or lower foliage to capture prey. It is not dependent on rivers or coastal habitats, though it may occur near streams within forest. Human-altered mosaics with remnant trees can also be used when nearby forest persists.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the chestnut-bellied kingfisher, this tree kingfisher is confined to the Vanuatu islands of Espiritu Santo, Malo, and Malakula. Unlike many kingfishers, it is not tied to water and hunts mostly from forest perches. It often nests in arboreal termite mounds or decaying tree cavities. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion is its primary threat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as single birds or territorial pairs. Monogamous pairs defend territories year-round. Nests are typically excavated in arboreal termite mounds or soft, decayed wood, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp metallic kek or kweek notes and a series of ringing whistles delivered from exposed perches. Calls are most frequent at dawn and early morning during the breeding season.
Plumage
Bright blue upperparts with a clean white throat and collar, contrasting chestnut to rufous underparts. A dark mask runs through the eye, and the tail and wings are bluish with darker flight feathers. Plumage is dense and sleek, typical of tree kingfishers.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, taken by sallying from a perch. It also occasionally captures small lizards, spiders, and other arthropods. Prey is typically subdued by striking against the perch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and light gaps within mature forest, often from mid-story perches. It also uses shaded garden trees and wooded plantations when adjacent to forest.
