Basic Information
Scientific classification
- Chinese name: White-browed Jade
- Scientific name: Todirhamphus sanctus, Sacred Kingfisher, Halcyon sancta
- Classification: Climbing birds
- Genus and species: Order Coraciiformes, Family Kingfisher, Genus Aldebaran
Vital signs data
- Body length: 19-24 cm
- Weight: Approximately 65g
- Lifespan: Approximately 20 years
Significant features
Distribution and Habitat
The White-browed Emerald is found in Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania, and New Caledonia. It also extends to the Solomon Islands, Tsunami Island, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Loyalty Island, and New Zealand.
White-browed kingfishers typically inhabit densely wooded areas, such as mangrove forests, eucalyptus forests, or white forests.
Appearance
It measures 19-24 cm in length, weighs 65 g, and has a lifespan of 20 years.
Like all its kind, the white-browed kingfisher has a large head and a strong neck and shoulders. The lower back and tail are a beautiful turquoise color, while the chest and abdomen below the collar are a contrasting white and cream color. The chin and shoulders are a shady blue-green. The cheeks are like a black flag, concealing equally black eyes, extending from the ears to the base of the upper mouth and neck. Males and females are largely the same, but females are slightly smaller. [4]
The beak is thick and long, resembling a chisel, with a relatively wide base, a straight beak peak, a rounded ridge, and no nasal grooves on either side; the wings are rounded, with the first primary flight feather being the same length as or slightly shorter than the seventh primary flight feather, and the second, third, and fourth primary flight feathers being nearly the same length; the base of the primary flight feathers has white spots; the tail is rounded.
Detailed introduction
The white-browed kingfisher, scientifically known as *Todirhamphus sanctus*, *Sacred Kingfisher*, and *Halcyon sancta*, has five subspecies: (1. *Todirhamphus sanctus sanctus*, distributed in Australia, Western Solomon Islands, Indonesia, and Melanesia; 2. *Todirhamphus sanctus vagans*, distributed in Norfolk Island and New Zealand; 3. *Todirhamphus sanctus canacorum*, distributed in New Caledonia; 4. *Todirhamphus sanctus macmillani*, distributed on Loyalty Island; 5. *Todirhamphus sanctus recurvirostris*, distributed in Western Samoa.).
In the wild, the White-browed Kingfisher's call is clear; a friendly call sounds like a flute, while a startled cry sounds like a hoarse rattle. During the breeding season, these birds display fearlessness, capable of driving away mammals or birds larger than themselves.
Like most forest kingfishers, the white-browed kingfisher is entirely carnivorous. It typically hunts for prey in leaves or mud, only occasionally catching prey in aquatic environments. Its main diet consists of invertebrates such as crickets, spiders, scorpions, and snails. It also eats small vertebrates such as small fish, small snakes, and lizards.
The White-browed Kingfisher nests on earthen cliffs or river embankments, using its beak to dig tunnel-like burrows, about 60 cm deep, 20 cm wide, and 10 cm high, with an oval shape. These burrows are generally unlined. Eggs are laid directly on the ground inside the nest. Some also burrow into tree trunks. The eggs are nearly round, pure white, and approximately 29.4 × 26.2 mm in size. The White-browed Kingfisher primarily lays eggs from September to December, occasionally extending into March. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and raising the chicks. The eggs hatch after 18 days, and the chicks remain in the nest for 26 days until they are able to fly.
Listed in the IUCN Red List of Birds, ver 3.1: 2008.
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