Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Ruddy kingfisher

Halcyon coromanda

John Aubrey Clarendon Latham, 1790

In Thai: นกกะเต็นแดง

The ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is a medium-sized tree kingfisher, widely distributed in east and southeast Asia.

Description

Reaching approximately 25 cm, 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 report male birds being somewhat brighter in plumage. 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.

Distribution and habitat

The ruddy kingfisher ranges from South Korea and Japan in the north, south through the Philippines to the Sunda Islands, and west to China and India. It is migratory, with birds in the northern part of the range migrating as far south as Borneo 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.

The binomial name recalls the Coromandel Coast of India.

Food and feeding

Like other kingfishers, ruddy kingfishers generally feed on fish, crustaceans, and large insects. However, in areas with less running water, they are known to eat frogs and other amphibians.

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Category / Seasonal Status

BCST Category: Recorded in an apparently wild state within the last 50 years

BCST Seasonal statuses:

  • Resident or presumed resident
  • Non-breeding visitor

Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Coraciiformes
Family
Alcedinidae
Genus
Halcyon
Species
Halcyon coromanda

Common names

  • Thai: นกกะเต็นแดง

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Range Map

Distribution map of Ruddy kingfisher, Halcyon coromanda in Thailand
  • Ao Phang-Nga National Park
  • Bang Pu Recreation Centre
  • Bangkok Province
  • Doi Inthanon National Park
  • Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park
  • Hat Chao Mai National Park
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park
  • Khao Luang National Park
  • Khao Phra - Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Pu - Khao Ya National Park
  • Khao Sok National Park
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Khura Buri District, Phang Nga
  • Klaeng District, Rayong
  • Laem Ngop District, Trat
  • Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen
  • Mueang Krabi District, Krabi
  • Mueang Phang Nga District, Phang Nga
  • Mueang Ranong District, Ranong
  • Mueang Satun District, Satun
  • Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom
  • Samut Prakan Province
  • Similan Islands
  • Sirinat National Park
  • Surin Islands
Range map of Halcyon coromanda in Thailand