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.
Identification
The Melanesian kingfisher (Todiramphus tristrami) is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago and the northwest and central Solomon Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and plantations. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the collared kingfisher.
Taxonomy
Genus: Todiramphus; Family: Alcedinidae; Order: Coraciiformes.
- Scientific name
- Todiramphus tristrami
- Authority
- (Layard, EL, 1880)
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Genus
- Todiramphus
Photos
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