Ceyx collectoris
The New Georgia Dwarf Kingfisher, *Ceyx collectoris*, is a strikingly diminutive and vibrant avian jewel endemic to the Solomon Islands. Measuring a mere 11-13 centimeters in length with a weight typically ranging from 12 to 18 grams, this tiny kingfisher captivates with its brilliant, iridescent cobalt blue to purplish upperparts, contrasting sharply with its snowy white throat and bright rufous-orange underparts and flanks. A distinctive electric blue patch adorns its crown, and its relativ...
This species primarily inhabits undisturbed lowland rainforest and mature secondary growth on volcanic slopes, showing a preference for areas near small streams, seepages, or permanent water sources for insect prey. It is typically found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 800 meters.
The New Georgia Dwarf Kingfisher's diet primarily consists of large terrestrial insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas, and spiders, supplemented by small lizards. It also occasionally consumes small freshwater crustaceans or tadpoles, typically foraging by sallying from perches onto the ...
The New Georgia Dwarf Kingfisher is a solitary and highly territorial diurnal bird, spending much of its time perched quietly in the forest understory. Its primary foraging strategy involves sallying forth from a low perch to snatch insects or small vertebrates from leaves, tree trunks, or the fo...
The New Georgia Dwarf Kingfisher is strictly endemic to the New Georgia Group of the Solomon Islands, an archipelago in Melanesia. Its known breeding range is confined to the larger islands within this group, specifically documented on New Georgia, Kolombangara, Vangunu, and Gatokae. There are al...
Vulnerable
- The scientific epithet 'collectoris' is a direct homage to the intrepid naturalists who first documented this elusive species in the early 20th century. - Despite being a 'kingfisher,' *Ceyx collectoris* rarely eats fish, preferring a diet almost entirely composed of terrestrial invertebrates a...