The Enchanting Beauty of the Dwarf Kingfisher: A Century-Long Quest Finally Captured on Camera

After more than 100 years, a rare species of bird known as the dwarf kingfisher has been captured on camera. This elusive bird, which was first documented in 1890, has recently been photographed, over a century after its initial discovery. Native to the southern Philippines, the dwarf kingfisher has captivated people with its unique plumage, as it was first described by Prof. Joseph Beal Steere during his expedition to the Philippines.

It took nearly 10 years for researchers to locate and photograph the elusive dwarf kingfisher. The team discovered two nesting sites at the Mapawa Nature Park in the southern part of the archipelago. Now, De Leon is studying the behavior of the South Philippine dwarf kingfisher to aid in its conservation efforts.

Introducing the dwarf kingfisher!

Among other birds, you can spot them…
The oriental dwarf kingfisher is one of the least known species of kingfishers, and it stands out among other birds in its range due to its colorful appearance. With its coral red bill, lilac-rufous upperparts, yellow-orange underparts, and blue-black back, this little bird is easily recognizable.

Radiant colors abound…
Like many wildlife species, the dwarf kingfisher faces the threat of habitat loss. The research team aims to raise awareness about this issue. Prof. De Leon considers habitat loss to be the greatest danger leading to the decline or extinction of endemic and native species, emphasizing that bird conservation goes beyond protecting the birds themselves.

He emphasizes that by preserving and safeguarding habitats, we can maintain the intricate web of life within ecosystems. This magnificent bird can be found on the islands of Mindanao and Basilan, but Prof. De Leon believes that the species is on the brink of extinction.

Behold the colors…
This splendidly colored kingfisher is small in size, with a dark blue back and wings. It boasts a coral-red bill, legs, and feet, along with yellow-orange underparts. The crown, rump, and tail are lilac-rufous, and it has a dark spot on its forehead and a dark brown iris. The chin and throat are white, and the neck features blue and white patches.

Hello, birdie!

They can be found near drying hill streams and often away from water sources. The oriental dwarf kingfisher, also known as the three-toed kingfisher or black-backed kingfisher, is a small bird belonging to the Alcedinidae family. These birds are typically found in subtropical or tropical moist rainforests.

This tropical kingfisher is a partial migrant endemic to a significant part of Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. Unfortunately, its habitat is threatened due to extensive deforestation in lowland areas.