Red-backed Kingfisher

The Red-backed Kingfisher, known scientifically as Todiramphus pyrrhopygius, presents a striking figure with its blue-green plumage and contrasting chestnut rump. This bird, a member of the Halcyoninae subfamily, is a delightful sight across the Australian landscape, particularly within its drier regions.

Identification Tips

Adults measure between 20 to 24 cm in length, with males typically weighing 45–70 grams and females slightly lighter at 41–62 grams. The species is characterized by a streaked green and white crown, bluish-green wings and tail, and a distinctive chestnut rump. A black band extends from the bill, through the eyes, to the ear coverts. Females tend to be duller with more heavily streaked crowns and buff areas where males are white. Juveniles resemble females but with duller green backs and speckled breasts.

Habitat

The Red-backed Kingfisher favors dry forests, mulga, mallee, spinifex, and almost treeless landscapes, often found at a considerable distance from water sources.

Distribution

This kingfisher is native to most of Australia, barring Tasmania and the extreme southwest and southeast of the mainland. It is a summer visitor to the southeast and remains resident throughout the year in other regions.

Behaviour

The species exhibits nomadic tendencies, likely influenced by erratic rainfall patterns. During the breeding season, it migrates to river courses to utilize the earthy banks for nesting.

Song & Calls

The Red-backed Kingfisher's call is a descending, mournful whistle "kee-ip", which it repeats from a treetop or telephone wire. During mating, it becomes quite vocal with harsh alarm calls and parrot-like chatter near the nest.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from August to February, with the possibility of two broods, except during droughts. Nests are burrows in steep banks or occasionally in termite mounds in the north. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 20–23 days, with fledglings leaving the nest after another 26–30 days.

Diet and Feeding

This kingfisher preys on insects, spiders, small crustaceans, centipedes, scorpions, and occasionally vertebrates like fish, frogs, lizards, snakes, and small mammals. It hunts from a perch, swooping down to capture its prey before returning to its vantage point.

Conservation status

The Red-backed Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a population trend that is currently increasing, thanks to its wide distribution across the continent.