What kind of bird is the ruddy kingfisher? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The ruddy kingfisher is a member of the kingfisher family and can be seen in a wide area of Asia. It is famous in Japan as a summer bird that can be seen in various places, but it is actually a bird designated as an endangered species.
What is the Ruddy Kingfisher? Basic Stats
The Ruddy Kingfisher is a bird classified as a member of the Alcedinidae family. It is a member of the forest-dwelling kingfisher family. Its scientific name is Halcyon coromanda, and its kanji is “red jade,” its English is “ruddy kingfisher.” Its total length is 27-28cm, its weight is 80-90g, and its wingspan is 40cm. The full list of information is as follows:
| Japanese（和名） | アカショウビン |
| English（英名） | Ruddy Kingfisher |
| scientific name(学名) | Halcyon coromanda |
| classification（分類） | Aves、 Coraciiformes、 Alcedinidae、Halcyon 鳥綱、ブッポウソウ目、カワセミ科、ヤマショウビン属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 27～28cm |
| Weight（体重） | 80～90g |
Habitat
The ruddy kingfisher can be seen widely in temperate to tropical regions, from the Korean Peninsula and Japan to the Philippines, Indonesia, India, China, and the Indochina Peninsula. In Japan, it can be seen throughout the country as a summer bird.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The feathers of the ruddy kingfisher on the upper side of its body are reddish brown, and the underside is orange-brown. Its beak and legs are red, and its eyes are black. The sexes are almost the same color. They migrate to Japan as summer birds, and breed almost throughout the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Iriomote Island is famous as one of Japan’s leading breeding grounds. They live in forests, and unlike kingfishers, they can be seen in forests far from water. They often live alone or in pairs.
What is their ecology?
The ruddy kingfisher is a carnivore. It dives into mountain streams and lives on fish, frogs, crayfish, aquatic insects, etc. It is an oviparous breeding method. It builds nests in cliffs or old woodpecker nests. The egg-laying season is June-July, and it lays five eggs. The exact lifespan of both the wild and captive species is unknown, and it is a bird with many mysteries.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of the ruddy kingfisher are birds of prey such as hawks and crows.
Is the ruddy kingfisher an endangered species?
The ruddy kingfisher is classified as least concern, and although it is not an endangered species, some local governments have it listed in the Red Data Book. The population is on a downward trend, mainly due to habitat destruction.
Can you keep ruddy kingfishers as pets?
The ruddy kingfisher is managed by the Ministry of the Environment under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act, and feeding it is prohibited.
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