- general description
- appearance
- the javan kingfisher is a medium-sized bird with striking and vibrant plumage.
- it has a bright blue head, wings, and back, with a contrasting rich chestnut or dark brown face, throat, and underparts.
- the beak is large, strong, and red, which is typical of many kingfisher species.
- its tail is blue with a lighter underside, and the eyes are dark.
- size
- measures about 25-28 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 60-90 grams.
- behavior
- known for its solitary and territorial nature, often seen perched conspicuously on branches or wires while scanning for prey.
- it has a loud, sharp, and repetitive call, often heard early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- typically hunts by diving from a perch to catch prey in water or on the ground.
- habitat
- range
- endemic to the island of java in indonesia.
- environment:
- inhabits a variety of environments, including freshwater wetlands, mangroves, rice fields, open woodlands, and gardens.
- often found near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes, as well as in agricultural landscapes.
- diet
- primarily carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of prey, including insects, small fish, frogs, lizards, and small rodents.
- hunts from a perch and uses its strong beak to catch and kill prey before swallowing it whole.
- breeding
- nesting
- nests in burrows dug into earth banks, often along riverbanks or in earthen walls.
- the burrow is usually dug by both members of a pair and can be quite deep to provide protection for the eggs and chicks.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies but generally occurs during the wet season when food is abundant.
- female lays 3-5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 18-20 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge, which takes about 25-30 days.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its stable population and adaptability to different habitats.
- interesting facts
- the javan kingfisher’s bright blue and chestnut plumage makes it one of the most striking birds on the island of java.
- despite being a solitary species, it is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud and distinctive calls.
- this species is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including human-modified landscapes such as rice fields and gardens, making it a common sight in both rural and semi-urban areas on java.