Blue-black Kingfisher
Todiramphus nigrocyaneus
The Blue-black Kingfisher (Todiramphus nigrocyaneus) is a legendary kingfisher found in 2 countries, weighing about 54 g. The blue-black kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae.
About the Blue-black Kingfisher
The blue-black kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. A medium-sized kingfisher of mangroves and forested streams in the lowlands. It is found in New Guinea and offshore islands of Salawati, Batanta and Yapen. It is considered rare and declining with threats being logging of lowland swamp forests and declining water quality.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The blue-black kingfisher is 23 cm (9.1 inches) long and weighs 51–57 grams (1.8–2.0 ounces). Black face, blue crown and bright white throat are characteristic. Underparts of males vary geographically, some with rufous or dark bellies and a white crescent. Females have white belly. Perches in the understory, scanning below for its prey of fish or crabs. Very difficult to see. Somewhat similar to azure kingfisher, but blue-black kingfisher is distinctly larger with a dark chest or chest band. Call, a short nasal series "weeh-wiwiwi!
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Blue-black Kingfisher?
- The blue-black kingfisher is 23 cm (9.1 inches) long and weighs 51–57 grams (1.8–2.0 ounces). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Blue-black Kingfisher?
- The Blue-black Kingfisher is a small sized bird weighing about 54 g.
- Where can you see a Blue-black Kingfisher?
- The Blue-black Kingfisher occurs in 2 countries, including Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
- What birds look similar to a Blue-black Kingfisher?
- The Blue-black Kingfisher is most easily confused with the Rusty-capped Kingfisher, the Society Kingfisher and the Flat-billed Kingfisher.
- Is the Blue-black Kingfisher endangered?
- The Blue-black Kingfisher is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Blue-black Kingfisher for real
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