Ceyx sangirensis
The Sangihe Dwarf Kingfisher (*Ceyx sangirensis*) is a truly diminutive and strikingly beautiful avian jewel, endemic to the remote Sangihe Island of Indonesia. Measuring approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches) in length, this species is characterized by its brilliant, iridescent blue upperparts, contrasting sharply with its vibrant rufous-orange underparts. Distinctive field marks include a small white patch behind the eye, a pure white chin and throat, and a bright red bill and legs. Taxonomically...
Found in primary and secondary moist lowland evergreen forests, occasionally venturing to forest edges or overgrown gardens, from sea level up to approximately 700 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, and other small invertebrates caught by sallying from a perch.
Sangihe Dwarf Kingfishers are diurnal birds, typically observed singly or in pairs, maintaining a secretive existence within the dense undergrowth of their forest habitat. Their primary foraging strategy involves sallying from a low, inconspicuous perch to snatch insects or other small invertebra...
The Sangihe Dwarf Kingfisher (*Ceyx sangirensis*) is strictly endemic to Sangihe Island, an isolated volcanic island located north of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its entire known distribution is confined to the remaining patches of primary and secondary moist evergreen forest found across this single ...
Critically Endangered
- The Sangihe Dwarf Kingfisher is one of the world's most geographically restricted bird species, found only on a single island. - Despite its name, it is primarily an insectivore, rarely if ever eating fish, a common misconception about kingfishers. - Its dazzling iridescent blue plumage is not ...