Tanysiptera hydrocharis
The Little Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera hydrocharis) is a diminutive yet striking member of the Alcedinidae family, known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive tail streamers. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm in length, including its elongated central tail feathers, it features a brilliant blue crown, a bold black eye-stripe, and contrasting white lores and collar. Its upperparts are blackish, transitioning to purplish-blue on the wings and tail, while its underparts are a rich rufous. ...
Found in lowland primary rainforests, monsoon forests, and swamp forests, often near water bodies, at elevations typically below 500 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of large terrestrial invertebrates such as grasshoppers, beetles, and their larvae, as well as spiders and small lizards, captured through ground-sallying or gleaning from vegetation.
This kingfisher is predominantly diurnal, typically observed alone or in pairs within the dense understory. It employs a 'perch-and-pounce' foraging strategy, sitting motionless on low branches before sallying to the ground or vegetation to snatch prey. Highly territorial, especially during the b...
The Little Paradise Kingfisher is an endemic resident of the lowlands of southern New Guinea and the Aru Islands (Indonesia). Its distribution spans the Trans-Fly region of Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian province of Papua, extending eastward to the Oriomo River area. This non-migratory speci...
Least Concern
- The Little Paradise Kingfisher is the smallest species within the Tanysiptera genus, known for their elongated central tail feathers. - Its scientific name, *hydrocharis*, means 'water-lily,' an intriguing misnomer as it primarily inhabits forest understory rather than open aquatic environments...