Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

Tentang

The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, locally known as Udang Api, is a diminutive and strikingly colorful kingfisher species found across Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its vibrant orange underparts, deep blue to black upperparts, and a bright red bill. Despite its brilliant plumage, its small size and preference for dense undergrowth make it a challenging bird to spot.

Ukuran dan masa hidup

Panjang

12-14 cm

Bentang sayap

18-20 cm

Berat

10-16 g

Masa hidup

3-5 years in the wild (estimated)

Makanan

Carnivore (primarily insects, small crustaceans, and tadpoles)

Ciri fisik

Bulu

Adults have brilliant orange underparts, cheeks, and collar. The crown and upperparts are deep iridescent blue to black, often appearing black in poor light, with a purplish sheen. A small white patch is present on the throat. The rump is bright violet-blue. The wings are dark with blue speckles.

Bentuk paruh

Relatively short, stout, and pointed; bright coral red.

Warna mata

Dark brown.

Warna kaki

Bright coral red.

Ciri pembeda

Its small size, combination of orange underparts, dark blue/black upperparts, and bright red bill and legs are highly distinctive. The violet-blue rump is a key field mark when seen in flight or from behind.

Penampilan muda

Juveniles are duller overall, with a dusky wash on the orange underparts, and a darker, often brownish-black bill and legs. The upperparts are less iridescent, appearing more blackish-blue.

Perubahan musiman

No significant seasonal plumage changes are observed.

Dimorfisme seksual

Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage. Some sources suggest males might have slightly brighter colors, but this is not a reliable field mark.

Cara identifikasi

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Look for a very small, compact kingfisher with a relatively short tail and a pointed bill.

2. 2

   Plumage Coloration

   Observe the striking contrast: bright orange underparts, cheeks, and collar, against a dark (blue-black) back and crown. The bright red bill and legs are also prominent.

3. 3

   Rump Patch

   If seen in flight or from behind, look for the distinctive bright violet-blue rump patch, which is a key identifier for C. erithaca.

4. 4

   Habitat and Behavior

   Search in dense, shaded undergrowth near slow-moving water. Look for a bird perching low, often motionless, before making quick sallies for prey.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for its high-pitched, thin 'tseet-tseet' or 'chip-chip' calls, which are often easier to detect than seeing the bird itself.

Habitat dan persebaran

Bioma

Tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, secondary forests, mangroves, and dense scrub.

Persebaran geografis

Widespread across Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Sulawesi, and other smaller islands), and the Philippines.

Rentang ketinggian

Typically found from sea level up to 1,300 meters, occasionally higher.

Lingkungan yang disukai

Prefers areas with dense vegetation near slow-moving streams, small rivers, ponds, or swampy areas. Often found in the understory or lower canopy, perching on low branches or roots over water.

Perilaku

Waktu aktivitas

Diurnal.

Kebiasaan makan

Primarily an insectivore, it perches silently on a low branch overlooking water or damp ground. It dives or sallies to catch prey, which includes grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, dragonflies, small crabs, tadpoles, and small fish. It often returns to the same perch to consume its prey.

Perilaku sosial

Generally solitary, though pairs can be observed during the breeding season. Highly territorial.

Pola terbang

Direct, rapid, and low over water or through dense vegetation, often accompanied by a whirring sound from its wings.

Pola migrasi

Mostly resident throughout its range, but some populations, particularly in the northern parts of its distribution (e.g., parts of India), may undertake short-distance altitudinal or local migrations in response to food availability or weather.

Teritorialitas

Highly territorial, especially around nesting and foraging sites. Will actively defend its territory against conspecifics and other small birds.

Reproduksi

Musim kawin

Varies geographically, but generally between March and July in most parts of its range, coinciding with the rainy season.

Kebiasaan bersarang

Nests in a burrow excavated in an earthen bank, typically near water. Both parents participate in digging the tunnel, which can be up to 30-60 cm long, ending in an unlined nesting chamber.

Jumlah telur

3-6 eggs.

Deskripsi telur

Typically 3-6 glossy white, spherical eggs.

Masa inkubasi

Approximately 17-18 days.

Masa terbang

Chicks fledge around 18-20 days after hatching.

Perawatan orang tua

Both parents share incubation duties and feed the nestlings. After fledging, the young are cared for by the parents for a short period before becoming independent.

Di mana ditemukan

Tips lapangan

1. Patience and Stealth. This is a shy and elusive bird. Move slowly and quietly, and be prepared to wait for extended periods.
2. Listen for Calls. Its calls are often the best way to locate it. Learn to recognize its high-pitched 'tseet-tseet'.
3. Scan Low Perches. Focus your search on low branches, roots, and vegetation overhanging water or damp ground.
4. Early Morning/Late Afternoon. Activity is often higher during these cooler parts of the day.
5. Binoculars. Essential for spotting and identifying this small, often hidden bird.

Spesies serupa

Fakta singkat

Common Name:

Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher (Udang Api)

Scientific Name:

Ceyx erithaca

Family:

Alcedinidae

Size:

12-14 cm

Diet:

Insects, small crustaceans, tadpoles

Habitat:

Dense lowland forests near water

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Distinguishing Feature:

Orange underparts, dark blue/black back, red bill/legs, violet-blue rump

Fakta menarik

• Despite its name 'kingfisher', its diet consists more of insects and small terrestrial invertebrates than fish, especially in inland forest habitats.
• The vibrant colors of the Udang Api are often used as camouflage in the dappled light of the forest understory, making it surprisingly hard to spot despite its brilliance.
• It is one of the smallest kingfisher species in the world.
• The name 'Udang Api' in Malay translates to 'Fire Shrimp' or 'Fire Prawn', likely referring to its small size and fiery orange coloration.

Klasifikasi ilmiah

Kerajaan

Animalia

Filum

Chordata

Kelas

Aves

Ordo

Coraciiformes

Famili

Alcedinidae

Genus

Ceyx

Spesies

Ceyx erithaca

Jelajahi Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher