Halcyon coromanda coromanda

(Temminck & Schlegel, 1848)

Vernacular names
English : Ruddy kingfisher
French : Martin-chasseur violet

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Coraciiformes
Family : Alcedinidae
Notes : 9 other subspecies known.

Identification
Distinctive species with bright rufous-chestnut to rufous orange plumage, washed pink-violet to lilac on wings and back. Clear throat, large bright red bill. Clear belly, red legs. Subspecies quite large with distinct warm orange tones on underside, upperside washed lilac, azure-blue rump patch.

Range and habitat
From Nepal to south China to Greater Sundas and Sulawesi. Isolated population in Korea and Japan, non breeding in Philippines. Subspecies lives from east India to Thailand, wintering in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Java. Found in mangroves and woodlands near forest streams.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains globally safe but uncommon. Some southeast Asian (and insular) populations are likely threatened by the loss of mangroves and cutting of large trees used for breeding.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore)

 

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