Todiramphus sacer
The Pacific Kingfisher, officially known by many as a widespread Collared Kingfisher (*Todiramphus chloris*) subspecies or older species designation (*Todiramphus sacer*), is a vibrant and adaptable bird of the Indo-Pacific. Reaching lengths of 22-29 cm (8.7-11.4 in) and weighing around 50-90 g (1.8-3.2 oz), its striking plumage features an iridescent blue-green back, wings, and crown, contrasting sharply with its pristine white underparts. A prominent white collar, which gives the species it...
Primarily found in coastal environments, including mangrove forests, estuaries, and sandy beaches, but also adapts to lowland forests, open woodlands, plantations, and even urban parks, often preferring areas near water bodies.
Highly omnivorous and opportunistic, their diet primarily consists of large insects (crickets, beetles, locusts), crabs, prawns, small fish, lizards, frogs, and even small birds or rodents, captured via a perch-and-pounce method.
This diurnal kingfisher is typically observed singly or in pairs, often perched conspicuously on a branch or wire, scanning for prey. Its foraging strategy is a classic 'perch-and-pounce,' involving a swift, direct dive to snatch prey from the ground, foliage, or shallow water. Pacific Kingfisher...
The Pacific Kingfisher boasts an extraordinarily wide geographical distribution across the Indo-Pacific region. Its breeding and year-round range extends from the coasts of the Red Sea (e.g., Sudan, Eritrea) eastward through India, Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia...
Least Concern
- The Pacific Kingfisher is one of the most widely distributed kingfisher species in the world, spanning from the Red Sea to Polynesia. - Unlike many kingfishers that specialize in fish, this species has an incredibly diverse diet, earning it the nickname 'insectivorous kingfisher' in some region...