Fauna
Bird

Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

Ceyx erithaca

Also known as Three-toed Kingfisher, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Black-backed Kingfisher

Black-backed dwarf kingfishers are diminutive, jewel-toned woodland hunters that dart with blinding speed through shaded forest understories. Pairs excavate nesting tunnels into earthen banks, termite mounds, or stream cuttings, taking turns to incubate their clutch deep underground. Despite their dazzling violet, rufous, and midnight-blue plumage, they easily vanish into dense foliage while perching motionless along quiet forest streams.

ColorfulForest DwellerInsectivorous
Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher reference1 / 7
(c) Afsar Nayakkan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Afsar Nayakkan · cc-by
—observations
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDragonflies, Tree frogs, Forest spiders
Predators
  • Forest raptors
  • Tree snakes
  • Civets
ThreatsDeforestation, forest degradation, and human disturbance near nesting banks
HabitatsDense evergreen and deciduous lowland forests, ravines, and shaded stream corridors
Life span5–8 years
Classification
  1. OrderCoraciiformes
  2. FamilyAlcedinidae
  3. GenusCeyx
  4. SpeciesCeyx erithaca
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a tiny frame, bright coral-red bill, midnight-black mantle, glowing magenta-pink wash, and deep orange underparts.
Support conservation
Keep at least 15 to 20 meters away from nesting banks, avoid using flash photography, and never play call playback during breeding season.
Responsible observation
  • Listen carefully: Listen for high-pitched, metallic 'tsik-tsik' calls echoing along shaded ravines.
  • Watch low perches: Scan slender twigs and exposed roots only a meter or two above forest streams.
  • Maintain silence: Move slowly and avoid sudden gestures, as they flush quickly when startled.
Related species
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