Red-backed kingfisher

Red-backed kingfisher
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Coraciiformes
Family:	Halcyonidae
Genus:	Todiramphus
Species:	T. pyrrhopygius
Binomial name
Todiramphus pyrrhopygius (Gould, 1841)
Synonyms
Halcyon pyrrhopygia

The red-backed kingfisher (Todiramphus pyrrhopygius) is a species of kingfisher in the family Halcyonidae, also known as tree kingfishers. It is a predominantly blue-green and white bird with a chestnut rump. It is found across the continent of Australia, mainly inhabiting the drier regions.

Taxonomy

The red-backed kingfisher was first described by the ornithologist John Gould in 1841. It was known for many years by its old scientific name of Halcyon pyrrhopygia before being transferred to the genus Todiramphus. Its specific epithet is derived from the Ancient Greek words pyrrho-/πυρρο- "flame-coloured" or "red" and pyge/πυγή "rump".^[2]

Description

Measuring 20–22.5 cm (9 in), the red-backed kingfisher has a streaked green and white crown, bluish-green wings and tail, and lower back, rump and upper tail coverts chestnut with white breast, abdomen and nape. It has a black band stretching from the bill, through the eyes and to the ear coverts. The female is duller overall in coloration. The iris is dark brown and the legs and feet dark grey. Immature birds have speckling on their breasts. The call is a descending whistle, with a harsh alarm call given by birds near the nest.^[3][4]

Distribution and habitat

The red-backed kingfisher is native to most of Australia. It is a summer visitor to the southeast of the country; elsewhere it is resident all year round.^[3] It inhabits dry forests, mulga and mallee country, to savannah. It avoids denser forests. During breeding season, birds will move to river courses to make use of the earthy banks to dig nesting burrows.^[3]

Breeding

Breeding season is October to December in Australia with one brood raised, although birds may not breed in times of drought. The nest is a burrow 0.5–1.25 m (18–50 in) into the top third section of a steep sloping or vertical bank overlooking a dry riverbed or one not overlooking water. They may vacate the site if the riverbed becomes inundated.^[5] Occasionally nests may be situated in termite mounds in the north of the country. Three to six white shiny eggs are laid, measuring 25 mm x 22 mm.^[5]

Dayboro, SE Qld, Australia, April 2008

References

1. BirdLife International (2012). "Todiramphus pyrrhopygius". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
2. Liddell, Henry George and Robert Scott (1980). A Greek-English Lexicon (Abridged Edition). United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-910207-4.
3. Slater, Peter (1970). A Field Guide to Australian Birds: Vol.1. Non-passerines. Adelaide: Rigby. p. 406. ISBN 0-85179-102-6.
4. Simpson K, Day N, Trusler P (1993). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Ringwood, Victoria: Viking O'Neil. p. 160. ISBN 0-670-90478-3.
5. Beruldsen, G (2003). Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Kenmore Hills, Qld: self. p. 269. ISBN 0-646-42798-9.