Eurystomus azureus
The Azure Dollarbird (Eurystomus azureus) is a captivating member of the roller family, known for its stunning deep azure plumage. Measuring approximately 30 cm in length and weighing 120-130 grams, it boasts an almost entirely dark blue body, contrasting sharply with its broad, bright orange-red bill tipped with black, and matching orange-red legs. Distinctive field marks include iridescent blue 'dollar' patches on the primaries, particularly noticeable in flight, and a broad black band acro...
Inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforests, often favoring forest edges, clearings, or areas near rivers and swamps. Typically found from sea level up to 1,000 meters elevation.
Primarily large flying insects, including beetles, cicadas, grasshoppers, and moths. Forages by sallying from an exposed perch to catch prey in flight.
Azure Dollarbirds are diurnal, often observed perching prominently on emergent trees or dead snags within their forest habitat. They are accomplished aerial insectivores, employing a classic 'perch-and-sally' foraging technique, launching from their high vantage point to snatch flying insects mid...
The Azure Dollarbird is strictly endemic to a small number of islands within the North Maluku province of Indonesia. Its entire distribution is confined to the islands of Halmahera, Bacan, Ternate, Tidore, Kasiruta, and Morotai. This species is entirely resident within this restricted archipelago...
Vulnerable
- The 'dollar' in their name refers to the coin-like iridescent blue patches on their wings, which are brilliantly displayed during flight. - They are strict island endemics, found only on a handful of islands within Indonesia's North Maluku province. - Unlike many tropical birds, males and femal...