The yellow-billed kingfisher (Syma torotoro) is a medium-sized tree kingfisher.
Region
New Guinea and northern Australia (Cape York Peninsula)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the lowland and foothill rainforests of New Guinea and nearby islands, with a small population in far northern Cape York Peninsula, Australia. It frequents primary and secondary rainforest, forest edges, riverine gallery forests, and sometimes mangroves. Birds typically hunt from shaded mid-story perches and will also use clearings and tracks within forest. It tolerates selectively logged forest but is largely tied to wooded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-billed kingfisher is a forest-dwelling kingfisher that rarely fishes; it mostly hunts insects and small vertebrates from shaded perches. Its loud, piping trills carry far through lowland rainforest, making it easier to detect by ear than by sight. It often nests in arboreal termite mounds, excavating a chamber within the nest.
In Weipa, Australia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories within forest. Breeding pairs excavate nest chambers in arboreal termite mounds, sometimes reusing sites in successive years. Both sexes participate in nesting duties and provisioning of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A loud series of clear, piping whistles and trills, often delivered in rapid, descending sequences. Most vocal at dawn and early morning, the calls carry through dense forest.
Plumage
Warm orange-rufous head and underparts with olive-green upperparts; rump and tail may show bluish tones. A dark eye-line contrasts with the bright yellow bill. Compact, forest kingfisher build with short tail and bright legs.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, katydids, and caterpillars, as well as spiders. It also takes small lizards and occasionally small frogs. Prey is typically spotted from a perch and seized by short sallies to foliage, trunks, or the ground.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within the shaded mid-story and along forest edges, tracks, and clearings where perches offer good views. Also forages along streams and in semi-open secondary growth adjacent to intact forest.
