Screech of the ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) -- WFC

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The ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is a medium-sized tree kingfisher widely distributed in East and Southeast Asia, including from South Korea and Japan south to the Philippines and the Sunda Islands, and west to China and India. It is about 25-27 cm in length with a distinctive large bright red bill and red legs, rust-red body plumage often deepening to purple at the tail, and a small blue rump patch. The species shows little sexual dimorphism, though males may have slightly brighter plumage.

This bird prefers heavily forested areas from temperate to tropical zones, often inhabiting thick jungles and rainforests. It is migratory, with northern populations moving southward in winter as far as Borneo. The ruddy kingfisher is generally elusive, with its clear high, descending call more commonly heard than the bird seen. It travels mostly singly or in pairs.

Its diet is typical of kingfishers: fish, crustaceans, large insects, and in some habitats, frogs and amphibians. Notably, in Southeast Asia, it also preys on large land snails, which it handles by beating against hard surfaces to break their shells.

There are multiple subspecies of the ruddy kingfisher, including the Ryukyu subspecies (Halcyon coromanda bangsi) notable for breeding in the Ryukyu Islands and wintering in the Philippines. This subspecies uses distinctive termite nests as breeding sites where available, and otherwise old tree cavities.

In Japan, known as the “bird of fire” for its bright reddish coloration, it is a summer migrant that nests by digging holes in tree hollows or dirt banks and sometimes uses old nests of hornets. It is rare in Japan but locally common in southern parts of its range.

The species is currently listed as Least Concern by conservation authorities, indicating it is not presently at significant risk.

In summary, the ruddy kingfisher is a forest-dwelling, migratory kingfisher with striking red features, found across a broad Asian range, feeding on fish, amphibians, insects, and snails, with interesting nesting behaviors linked to termite nests in some regions.

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