Ruddy Kingfisher on a Branch

Ruddy Kingfisher on a Branch

The ruddy kingfisher is a medium-sized tree kingfisher.

Reaching approximately 25 cm, the ruddy kingfisher has a very large, bright red bill and equally red legs. The body is rust red, generally deepening to purple at the tail. There is little sexual dimorphism though some sources report male birds being somewhat brighter in plumage.

Due to its preference for heavily forested areas, the kingfisher’s high, descending call is more often heard than the bird itself is seen, and these birds generally travel singly or in pairs.

Distribution: Breed in Northeast China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan; migrate to eastern China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and other places in winter, and occasionally transit to Taiwan.

Video Source: 赤翡翠/Ruddy Kingfisher from Chuenguey Hwang on Youtube  CC BY

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