About the Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher
The brown-headed paradise kingfisher, also known as the russet paradise kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to the lowland forest in the Bird's Tail Peninsula. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Like all paradise kingfishers this bird has colourful plumage with a red bill and distinctive long tail streamers. No subspecies are distinguished.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The brown-headed kingfisher is 23 cm (9.1 in) in length excluding the streamers which are up to 9 cm (3.5 in). They weigh between 37 and 50 grams. The sexes are alike. The head, mantle and scapulars are a warm rufous-brown. The rump, breast and belly are pink-red. The flight feathers are black and the greater coverts are bright blue. The tail is dark purplish blue, the bill is red and the legs and feet are pink or orange.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher lives
When to see the Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher
Peak activity in July · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Red-breasted Paradise KingfisherTanysiptera nymphaThe red-breasted paradise kingfisher or fairy paradise kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae.
Biak Paradise KingfisherTanysiptera riedeliiThe adult Biak paradise kingfisher is about 14 in (36 cm) including its long tail.
Black-capped Paradise KingfisherTanysiptera nigricepsThe 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).
Learn the Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.