Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher
Ceyx erithaca
The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca) is a rare kingfisher found in 16 countries, weighing about 18 g. The black-backed dwarf kingfisher, also known as the three-toed kingfisher, is a pocket-sized bird in the family Alcedinidae.
About the Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher
The black-backed dwarf kingfisher, also known as the three-toed kingfisher, is a pocket-sized bird in the family Alcedinidae. It was formerly considered as conspecific with the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher and together the species complex was known by the English name "oriental dwarf kingfisher".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-backed dwarf kingfisher is one of the smallest known kingfisher species. It is only slightly larger than a medium-sized hummingbird and measures 12.5–14 cm (4.9–5.5 in) in length (including bill and tail). Females typically weigh 14-16g and males 14-21.5g, making the males slightly larger. The two sexes are otherwise alike and sexual dimorphism is not present.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Taiwan.
When to see it
The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher can be seen all year round, with peak activity in July. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher?
- The black-backed dwarf kingfisher is one of the smallest known kingfisher species. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher?
- The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher is a small sized bird weighing about 18 g.
- Where can you see a Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher?
- The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher occurs in 16 countries, including Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
- What birds look similar to a Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher?
- The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher is most easily confused with the Little Kingfisher, the Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher and the Indigo-banded Kingfisher.
- Is the Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher endangered?
- The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
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