Basic Information
Scientific classification
- Chinese name: Bismarck's Kingfisher
- Scientific name: Bismarck Kingfisher, Bismarck Kingfisher, Ceyx websteri, Alcedo websteri, Bismarck Kingfisher
- Classification: Climbing birds
- Classification and genus: Order Coraciiformes, Family Kingfisher, Genus Kingfisher
Vital signs data
- Body length: Approximately 22 centimeters
- Weight: No verification information available.
- Lifespan: No verification data available.
Significant features
An orange-yellow line connects to a white patch on the back of the neck.
Distribution and Habitat
The Bismarck Kingfisher is found on islands in the Pacific Ocean near Papua New Guinea (including the Bismarck Islands, New Hanover, New Ireland, Lissier Island, Umboi, and New Britain).
The Bismarck kingfisher inhabits lowland forests, slow-flowing rivers, mangroves, lakes, reed beds, and other bodies of water.
Appearance
The Bismarck's Kingfisher is a medium-sized river kingfisher, measuring 22 cm in length. Its upperparts and wings are bluish-green, with a blue-green crown speckled with white and black. The wings are interspersed with white spots. It has an orange-yellow belly, and white nape and chin. It has a short, bare tail. The beak is black with an orange-yellow patch at the base. An orange-yellow stripe connects to a white patch on the nape. The beak is thick, straight, long, and strong, with a rounded ridge; the nasal groove is indistinct; the wingtips are long, with the first primary flight feather slightly shorter and the third and fourth longest; the tail is short and rounded; the plumage is vibrant and glossy, often with blue or green hues. It has a large head, short neck, short, rounded wings, and a mostly short tail; the beak is large and pointed with a blunt culmen; the legs are very short, with slender, weak toes; the fourth toe is mostly fused with the third toe, and only fused with the second toe at the base. The preen gland is covered with feathers. The coracoid bone is present on both sides, and there are four notches on the posterior border of the sternum. The manubrium of the sternum is simply formed by the external spine.
Detailed introduction
The Bismarck Kingfisher, scientifically known as *Ceyx websteri*, *Alcedo websteri*, or *Bismarck Kingfisher*, is a bird belonging to the genus *Ceyx* in the family Alcedinidae of the order Coraciiformes.
The Bismarck kingfisher is a solitary bird, usually perching alone on branches or rocks near the water, waiting to hunt. Its diet consists mainly of small fish, supplemented by crustaceans, various aquatic insects and their larvae, as well as small frogs and a small amount of aquatic plants. Even when submerged, the kingfisher maintains excellent vision because its eyes can quickly adjust to the visual contrast caused by light changes underwater. Therefore, it is highly skilled at catching fish.
The Bismarck kingfisher nests on earthen cliffs or river embankments, using its beak to dig tunnel-like burrows, which are generally unlined. Eggs are laid directly on the ground inside the nest. Each clutch contains 6-7 eggs. The eggs are pure white, glossy, and slightly spotted, measuring approximately 28 mm x 18 mm. There are 1-2 clutches per year; the incubation period is about 21 days. Both parents incubate the eggs, but only the female feeds the chicks.
Listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.
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