Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

The Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, known scientifically as Tanysiptera sylvia, is a member of the tree kingfisher subfamily Halcyoninae. This species is adorned with a vivid tapestry of colors, including a striking red bill, a buff breast, and a blue or purple cap. Its crown and outer tail feathers share the same vibrant hues, while its lower back and rump are a contrasting white. The bird's eye stripes are black, extending down to the nape of its neck, and it possesses red feet. One of its most distinctive features is the long tail streamers that vary in color geographically.

Identification Tips

Adult males measure about 35 cm in length, including the tail streamers that extend 13 cm beyond the rest of the tail. Females are slightly smaller at 30 cm, with shorter tail streamers. Both sexes have a wingspan of approximately 34-35 cm and weigh between 45-50 grams. Juveniles can be identified by their brown bills, yellowish feet, and the absence of long tail feathers. The white patch on the center of the upper back is a key identifying feature of this species.

Habitat

The Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher inhabits lowland monsoon rainforests and isolated patches of hill forest, where active termite mounds suitable for nesting are found. They are typically seen perching in the mid-storey and lower canopy, occasionally descending to the ground to forage.

Distribution

This bird is native to Australia and New Guinea. During the breeding season, from November to March, it can be found in coastal north-east Queensland, extending from the Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula south to central Queensland.

Behaviour

The Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher exhibits territorial behavior, with single birds defending resources in non-breeding grounds in New Guinea. In Australia, territories are defended by pairs during the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The bird's calls are the best way to locate it within the rainforest. The most common call is an ascending "ch-kow" or "chop chop," repeated several times and often accompanied by tail flicking. A soft descending trill is used near the nest, while explosive shrieks signal alarm. Nestlings emit a soft, constant whirring sound.

Breeding

Nests are constructed within termite mounds, with the breeding season commencing shortly after the birds' arrival in mid-October to early November. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after about 23 days. The fledging success rate averages 1.5 chicks per pair.

Diet and Feeding

The Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher feeds on a variety of prey, including phasmids, earthworms, beetles, insect larvae, spiders, skinks, small frogs, snails, and occasionally small tortoises. Both parents are involved in feeding the young.

Conservation status

While the population trend is on the decline, the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher is currently assessed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. However, habitat loss in New Guinea could potentially impact breeding populations in Australia.

Similar Species

The Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher, endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, was once considered a subspecies but is now recognized as a separate species.