Numfor Paradise Kingfisher

The Numfor paradise kingfisher, or cobalt paradise kingfisher, is a striking bird with a length of 34 to 38 cm, including its elongated tail. Both sexes exhibit a lustrous purplish-blue plumage on their upper parts and underparts. The lower back, rump, vent region, and tail are a contrasting white. The bird's iris is a deep brown, while its bill is a vibrant red, and its legs and feet are a greenish-brown hue.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species can be identified by their purplish-blue plumage and long tails. Juveniles, however, have a duller purple-blue plumage with rufous and buff underparts, a white rump, and a blackish tail. Observers should also note the red bill and brown iris for proper identification.

Habitat

The Numfor paradise kingfisher is known to inhabit forests, light woodlands, agricultural areas, and coastal vegetation on the island of Numfor.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to Numfor, an island within the Biak Island group off the northwestern coast of Papua Province in Indonesia.

Behaviour

While specific studies on the behaviour of the Numfor paradise kingfisher are limited, it is presumed to exhibit similar behaviours to its relative, the common paradise kingfisher found on the mainland of New Guinea.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Numfor paradise kingfisher are said to resemble the call of the common cuckoo, a series of distinct, melodious notes.

Diet and Feeding

The Numfor paradise kingfisher primarily feeds on snails and large insects, including grasshoppers and beetles.

Conservation Status

The Numfor paradise kingfisher is currently classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN. The species is common within its limited range, but its habitat is under threat from logging activities and conversion to agricultural land. The bird's adaptability to secondary habitats is not well understood, and it is suspected that its population may be slowly declining.