Basic Information
Scientific classification
- Chinese name: Biak Island Fairy Jade
- Scientific name: Biak Paradise Kingfisher, Tanysiptera riedelii, Biak Paradise Kingfisher, Riedel's Racquet-tail, Biak Paradise-kingfisher
- Classification: Climbing birds
- Family and Genus: Order Coraciiformes, Family Kingfisher, Genus Kingfisher
Vital signs data
- Body length: No verification information available.
- Weight: No verification information available.
- Lifespan: No verification data available.
Significant features
Distribution and Habitat
It is found on Biak Island in Australia and Indonesia.
Appearance
The Beech Queen has two 12-centimeter-long, deep blue, ribbon-like tail feathers, the tips of which are swollen white and racket-shaped. The wing coverts are black. The beak is red, and the iris is dark brown. The legs are olive brown. The head has sky blue plumage, sky blue scapulae and lesser coverts, and a deep blue lower back, tail, and cape. The chest, abdomen, and tail are white.
Detailed introduction
Biak Island fairyfish, scientifically known as *Tanysiptera riedelii*, *Biak paradise kingfisher*, *Riedel's Racquet-tail*, and *Biak Paradise-kingfisher*, is a species of the *Tanysiptera* genus.
The Biak Island Kingfisher is a completely carnivorous kingfisher. Its hunting techniques are largely similar to other kingfisher species, but it also has its own unique characteristics. It often hides in the shade of trees near water, waiting to ambush fish and shrimp. When standing, its head remains almost still, while its tail occasionally sways. It spends most of its time foraging on the ground, digging in the soil with its beak to catch insects, including snails, beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, centipedes, and earthworms, as well as small reptiles such as lizards. Sometimes it gets its feathers very dirty.
Biak Island Fairy Kingfishers, both sexes, will work together to build a nest in a termite mound four feet above the ground. The nest measures 15 cm x 13 cm. The female typically lays five eggs, and both parents share the responsibility of raising the chicks.
Listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver 3.1, 2008).
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