Todiramphus recurvirostris
The Flat-billed Kingfisher (Todiramphus recurvirostris) is a strikingly beautiful, compact member of the tree kingfisher family, endemic to a small island archipelago in the Pacific. Averaging 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length with a weight of 45-60 grams, its most distinctive feature is its broad, noticeably dorsoventrally flattened bill, which sets it apart from its congeners. Its plumage boasts an iridescent turquoise-blue back and wings, contrasting sharply with pristine white underparts. A...
Found exclusively in coastal mangrove forests, lowland primary rainforests, and dense riparian vegetation along freshwater streams and estuaries, typically at elevations below 200 meters.
Mainly consumes small fish, various crustaceans (especially crabs), and a wide array of aquatic insects, supplemented occasionally by small reptiles or amphibians. Primarily forages by dive-fishing from exposed perches or by skimming prey from the water's surface.
This diurnal kingfisher is primarily solitary, or observed in pairs during the breeding season, roosting discreetly within dense canopy foliage at night. Its unique flat bill enables a versatile foraging strategy, including the typical kingfisher perch-and-plunge dive for small fish, but also spe...
The Flat-billed Kingfisher is strictly endemic to the Raiatea Archipelago, a small island group nestled in the central Pacific. Its entire breeding and resident range is confined to the main island of Raiatea and its smaller satellite islands, Atea and Oura. Within this limited distribution, it i...
Vulnerable
- The 'recurvirostris' in its scientific name, meaning 'recurved bill', is a scientific misnomer; its bill is distinctively flattened, not recurved. - It is the only known Todiramphus kingfisher species with such a pronounced, specialized flat bill, an adaptation for its unique foraging behavior....