Sombre kingfisher


The sombre kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to island of Halmahera, in North Maluku, Indonesia.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, subtropical or tropical swamps, and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Description

This is a relatively large kingfisher, measuring up to 28 cm. It has a piebald colouring with white belly and collar, and olive to black upper parts. The beak is dark. Its call is a slow 'ki-ki-ki'; it may also utter series of three loud wails.

Distribution and habitat

The sombre kingfisher occurs only on Halmahera, where it inhabits primary forest, swamp-forest, mature secondary woodland, and mangroves. It may visit cultivated areas such as plantations.

Conservation

The species has been protected under Indonesian law since 1931 and benefits from several protected areas. However, it is currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, mostly due to ongoing habitat loss through forest clearance for timber, conversion to agriculture, and other uses.