This kingfisher inhabits a range of tropical and subtropical forests, including lowland rainforests, mangroves, and bamboo forests. Its range extends from the Indian subcontinent, including India and Sri Lanka, through Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This bird is often found near streams, rivers, and other water bodies, which provide essential feeding and breeding grounds. It prefers dense, humid forest environments where it can find plenty of cover and food.
Black-backed dwarf kingfisher is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a diet of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It also occasionally eats small fish, frogs, and lizards. The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher uses a perch-hunting strategy, sitting quietly on a branch or other vantage point and watching for movement below. When it spots prey, it swoops down swiftly, using its sharp beak to catch and kill the prey. This method of hunting requires keen eyesight and quick reflexes, traits that this kingfisher possesses in abundance.
Unlike many bird species that construct their nests in the branches of trees, the Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher employs a distinctive and specialized nesting strategy by excavating burrows in riverbanks, earthen banks, and even termite mounds. This method offers several unique advantages and highlights the bird’s adaptability and ingenuity in securing a safe environment for its offspring.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Cambodia
China
India
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Thailand
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic / Monomorphic (size)
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
