Melanesian Kingfisher
Todiramphus tristrami
A Collared-type kingfisher found on a broad band of islands northeast of New Guinea, ranging from the Bismarck Archipelago east to Guadalcanal in the Solomons. Varies across range; note blue-green upperparts, pale collar, slender dark mask, and bicolored bill. Compare with Sacred Kingfisher; Melanesian averages darker and bluer above. Inhabits a range of island habitats, often in coastal regions but also well inland, especially in areas without other kingfishers. Listen for loud, harsh, far-carrying calls.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Todiramphus tristrami
- Authority
- (Layard, EL, 1880)
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Genus
- Todiramphus
Photos
Other Birds
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