- Todiramphus saurophagus
Todiramphus saurophaga
Todirhamphus saurophagus
Halcyon saurophagus
Identification
This is a large kingfisher (28 cm)
White with blue wings
Sexes alike
Distribution
Found throughout the northern coast of New Guinea including the islands of the Geelvink Bay, the West Papuan islands, the Bismarcks and the Solomon Islands.
Taxonomy
Was previously Halcyon saurophagus. The Sibley-Monroe spelling of the scientific name (Todirhamphus saurophagus) is incorrect. Clements and Howard & Moore both use Todiramphus saurophagus. More details in this discussion.
Subspecies[1]
Two subspecies are recognised:
- T. s. saurophagus:
- Moluccas to Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Islands
- T. s. admiralitatis (anchoretus):
- Admiralty Islands (Anchorite, Hermit and Ninigo)
Habitat
Mangrove forests, most often encountered in coastal areas
Behaviour
Breeding
It nests in tree cavities
Diet
It feeds mostly on insects, crabs and small fish.
References
- Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Beach Kingfisher. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 3 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Beach_Kingfisher
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1
