About the Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher
The black-capped paradise kingfisher or black-headed paradise kingfisher, is a bird in the tree kingfisher subfamily, Halcyoninae. It is native to several islands in the Bismarck Archipelago to the east of New Guinea. Like all paradise kingfishers, this bird has colourful plumage with a red bill and long distinctive tail streamers.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The black-capped paradise kingfisher is 35–48 cm (14–19 in) in overall length including the tail streamers and weighs from 43 to 74 g (1.5 to 2.6 oz). The sexes are alike. The adult of the nominate race has a black head, nape, ear-coverts and scapulars. The mantle, rump and two central tail feathers are white. The wings and outer tail feathers are blue. The underparts are a pale yellowish buff. The bill and feet are orange. The subspecies T. s. leucura differs only in having completely white tail feathers.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in July · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Little Paradise KingfisherTanysiptera hydrocharisIt is similar to the common paradise kingfisher, albeit smaller.
Biak Paradise KingfisherTanysiptera riedeliiThe adult Biak paradise kingfisher is about 14 in (36 cm) including its long tail.
Red-breasted Paradise KingfisherTanysiptera nymphaThe red-breasted paradise kingfisher or fairy paradise kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae.
Learn the Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher for real
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