Blue-banded Kingfisher

The Javan blue-banded kingfisher, known scientifically as Alcedo euryzona, is a diminutive and rather somber-hued member of the kingfisher family. The male of the species is particularly striking, adorned with a broad blue-green band that traverses its white chest, making for a vivid contrast. In comparison, the female presents a markedly different appearance with her entirely orange belly.

Identification Tips

To identify this species, one should look for the male's distinctive blue-green chest band and the female's orange underparts. Both sexes exhibit a darker overall coloration compared to the common kingfisher, A. atthis, and lack the conspicuous white-and-orange patch behind the eye found in their more widespread relative. Their calls are piercing, bearing resemblance to those of the common kingfisher.

Habitat

The Javan blue-banded kingfisher favors the lush environments of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. It is also known to inhabit the areas surrounding rivers.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the island of Java, where it is distributed throughout, although it has become exceedingly rare.

Behaviour

The Javan blue-banded kingfisher is believed to be in decline, with human activities such as habitat destruction posing significant threats to its survival.

Song & Calls

The call of the Javan blue-banded kingfisher is a piercing sound, akin to that of the common kingfisher.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Javan blue-banded kingfisher as Critically Endangered. The estimated population of this species is alarmingly low, with only 50-249 individuals thought to exist, and the numbers are continuing to dwindle.

Taxonomy

Coenraad Jacob Temminck first described the Javan blue-banded kingfisher in 1830. The species name euryzona is derived from the classical Greek words 'eurus' meaning "broad" and 'zōnē' signifying "band" or "belt," aptly reflecting the male's distinctive chest marking.