- Ruddy Kingfisher
Taxobox
name = Ruddy Kingfisher
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Coraciiformes
familia = Halcyonidae
genus = "Halcyon"
species = "H. coromanda"
binomial = "Halcyon coromanda"
binomial_authority = (Latham, 1790)The Ruddy Kingfisher ("Halcyon coromanda") is a medium-sized
tree kingfisher which is widely distributed in east and southeastAsia , ranging fromSouth Korea andJapan in the north, south through thePhilippines to theSunda Islands , and west toChina andIndia . It is migratory, with birds in the northern part of the range migrating as far south asBorneo during winter. Locally common in southern parts of its range, the Ruddy Kingfisher is rare in Japan, where it is highly sought after by birders. Ruddy Kingfishers inhabit forested areas from the temperate to tropical zones, often in thick jungles and rainforests.Reaching approximately 25cm, the Ruddy Kingfisher has a very large, bright red bill and equally red legs. The body is rust red, generally deepening to purple at the tail. There is little
sexual dimorphism though some sources state that male birds are somewhat brighter in plumage.Like other kingfishers, Ruddy Kingfishers generally feed on fish, crustaceans, and large insects, though in areas with less running water, they are known to take frogs and other amphibians. Due to its preference for heavily forested areas, the kingfisher's high, descending call is more often heard than the bird itself is seen, and these birds generally travel singly or in pairs.
The binomial name recalls the
Coromandel Coast of India.References
* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
External links
* [http://www.kingfisher-stamps.org/Halcyon%20Coromanda.htm Ruddy Kingfisher] at Kingfisher Stamps
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