Description:
Adult birds have a brownish-chestnut back with a slight purplish-blue sheen and an orange-yellowish-brown belly. When in flight, a narrow band of bright sky-blue feathers is visible on the lower back and flanks. The legs and beak are red.
Biology:
Nests are built in forests, within burrows on stream banks. They lay 4-6 eggs (Baker, 1927). In northern regions, fledglings are observed in the first half of July. Their diet consists of frogs and various insects.
Habitat and Ecology:
They inhabit dense forests near streams at various altitudes and mangrove forests in Southeast Asia, with both resident and migratory populations.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Yen Bai, Bac Thai (Cao Ky), Cao Bang, Vinh Phu (Tam Dao), Nam Ha, Ninh Binh (Cuc Phuong Forest), Thua Thien – Hue (A Luoi), and Tra Vinh.
- Global: Himalayas, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, Malaysia.
Value:
Conservation of the gene pool.
Conservation Status:
Similar to other species within the Kingfisher family previously mentioned. Threat level: Category R (Rare).
Recommended Conservation Measures:
Similar to measures recommended for forest birds near water bodies.
- Protect and sustainably manage landscapes near water sources.
- Prevent pollution of natural water bodies.