Todiramphus australasia
The Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher (Todiramphus australasia) is a striking, medium-sized kingfisher, typically measuring around 21 cm (8.3 inches) in length. Its plumage is a vibrant display of deep blue on its upperparts, contrasting sharply with brilliant white underparts. A defining field mark, and the source of its common name, is the broad, rich cinnamon band that stretches across its breast, often extending onto the flanks. It also sports a clean white collar around its neck and a sturdy, d...
Found primarily in lowland and mid-elevation forests, open woodlands, plantations, and coastal mangroves. It occupies a variety of habitats from sea level up to approximately 1,200 meters.
Feeds primarily on large insects, spiders, small lizards, frogs, and crustaceans, occasionally supplementing its diet with small fish.
This diurnal kingfisher often employs a 'perch-and-pounce' foraging strategy, sitting motionless on a branch for extended periods before swooping down to seize prey from the ground or vegetation. While capable of plunge-diving for aquatic prey, it frequently sally-gleans large insects from foliag...
The Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher is strictly endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands in Southeast Asia, with its primary distribution centered on the islands of Timor and Wetar. It is found in both the independent nation of Timor-Leste and the Indonesian portions of Timor, as well as on the smaller, ne...
Near Threatened
- The Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher is endemic to a highly restricted range, primarily on the islands of Timor and Wetar in the Lesser Sundas. - Unlike many 'true' kingfishers, this species belongs to a group often referred to as 'tree kingfishers' due to their preference for forest habitats and a d...