Bird · GBIF taxon 5228386
Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher
Ceyx erithacaAlso 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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Dragonflies
- 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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCoraciiformes
- FamilyAlcedinidae
- GenusCeyx
- SpeciesCeyx erithaca
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Close Relative (c) Samuel Lee, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Same Family (c) Frank Sengpiel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Frank Sengpiel · cc-by
Same Family (c) Huey, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Same Family (c) Шальнов Кирилл, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.