What kind of bird is the ruddy kingfisher? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The ruddy kingfisher is a member of the kingfisher family and can be seen in a wide area of Asia. It is famous in Japan as a summer bird that can be seen in various places, but it is actually a bird designated as an endangered species.
What is the Ruddy Kingfisher? Basic Stats
The Ruddy Kingfisher is a bird classified as a member of the Alcedinidae family. It is a member of the forest-dwelling kingfisher family. Its scientific name is Halcyon coromanda, and its kanji is “red jade,” its English is “ruddy kingfisher.” Its total length is 27-28cm, its weight is 80-90g, and its wingspan is 40cm. The full list of information is as follows:
| Japanese（和名） | アカショウビン |
| English（英名） | Ruddy Kingfisher |
| scientific name(学名) | Halcyon coromanda |
| classification（分類） | Aves、 Coraciiformes、 Alcedinidae、Halcyon 鳥綱、ブッポウソウ目、カワセミ科、ヤマショウビン属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 27～28cm |
| Weight（体重） | 80～90g |
Taxonomy (phylogenetic classification)
The ruddy kingfisher is classified as follows:
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 | 動物界 (Animalia) |
| 門 | 脊索動物門 (Chordata) |
| 綱 | 鳥綱 (Aves) |
| 目 | ブッポウソウ目 (Coraciiformes) |
| 科 | カワセミ科 (Alcedinidae) |
| 属 | ハルシオン属 (Halcyon) |
| 種 | アカショウビン (Halcyon coromanda) |
Habitat
The ruddy kingfisher can be seen widely in temperate to tropical regions, from the Korean Peninsula and Japan to the Philippines, Indonesia, India, China, and the Indochina Peninsula. In Japan, it can be seen throughout the country as a summer bird.
- Habitat in Japan
Main breeding areas: Forests and streamside areas in Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu
Environmental characteristics:
Dense forests and mixed evergreen and deciduous forests
Prefers moist forests near rivers and streams
Nests in tree cavities and deadwood holes
Migratory movements:
Migrates north from south in spring (around May)
Breeds in summer and migrates to Southeast Asia in autumn (September-October)
- Global distribution
Widely distributed from eastern Asia to Southeast Asia
Russian Far East, Korean Peninsula, eastern China, Japan
Winters as a winter bird in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc.
Live primarily in tropical to subtropical forests
- Habitat characteristics
Dense forests and streamside forests: Abundant food sources of insects and small animals
Keeps away from human settlements: Sensitive to human activity
Nest building: Uses tree cavities and rotting wood
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The feathers of the ruddy kingfisher on the upper side of its body are reddish brown, and the underside is orange-brown. Its beak and legs are red, and its eyes are black. The sexes are almost the same color. They migrate to Japan as summer birds, and breed almost throughout the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Iriomote Island is famous as one of Japan’s leading breeding grounds. They live in forests, and unlike kingfishers, they can be seen in forests far from water. They often live alone or in pairs.
- Physical Characteristics
Body Length: Approximately 28-30cm
Body Color: Reddish-brown to vermilion, with a red beak
Tail and Wings: The tail feathers are short, and the wings are rounded. They flap quickly when flying.
Legs: Three legs facing forward and one in back for grasping branches (suited for arboreal life).
Eyes: Large, black eyes that allow them to see well even in the darkness of the forest.
- Behavior and Ecology
Call: A high-pitched, clear call of “kyorororo.” They can be heard clearly even in the forest.
Flight:
Fly quickly and in a straight line.
Specializes in moving between branches in the forest.
Hunting:
Preys on insects, small frogs, and lizards.
An “aerial hunter” that leaps from tree branches to catch prey.
- Breeding and Nesting
Nests: Built in tree hollows or holes in dead trees.
Eggs: Approximately 3-5 eggs.
Chicks:
Chicks are cared for by their parents after they hatch.
The parents feed and protect them in the nest.
- Behavioral Characteristics
Migratory Bird: Arrives from the south in the spring and breeds in Japan. → Migrates to Southeast Asia in the fall.
Hidden: Lives deep in dense jungles and forests along rivers.
Mostly solitary, only traveling in pairs during the breeding season.
- Appearance
With a reddish-brown body and red beak, they stand out against the green of the forest.
When they flap, their short, rounded wings move quickly.
While their calls make them stand out in the forest, they are surprisingly difficult to spot.
What is their ecology?
The ruddy kingfisher is a carnivore. It dives into mountain streams and lives on fish, frogs, crayfish, aquatic insects, etc. It is an oviparous breeding method. It builds nests in cliffs or old woodpecker nests. The egg-laying season is June-July, and it lays five eggs. The exact lifespan of both the wild and captive species is unknown, and it is a bird with many mysteries.
- Habitat
Forestry: Mainly found in broadleaf and mixed forests, along streams
Nesting: Uses hollows in dead or old trees
Prefers humid environments (plenty of insects and small animals)
Tends to stay far from human settlements: Selects quiet, deep forests
- Behavior
Diurnal, active during the day, preying on insects and small animals
Hunting:
Perches on branches to search for prey
Catches small frogs, lizards, and insects with its beak
Flight:
Moves quickly over short distances in the forest
Excellent linear flight ability, which is used for hunting and escape
- Breeding Habits
Breeding Season: May to July in Japan
Nest: Floating nests in tree hollows or tree holes
Eggs: 3 to 5
Chicks:
Grows while being fed by parents
After hatching, stays safe in the nest
- Diet
Mainly carnivorous:
Insects (beetles, longhorn beetles, grasshoppers, etc.)
Small amphibians (frogs, newts)
Small reptiles (lizards, etc.)
Hunting method:
Jumps out from the tips of branches to feed
Kills prey by hitting it with a branch
- Migration/Migration
Migratory birds: Summer birds in Japan
Spring: Migrates north from Southeast Asia and the Philippines to Japan
Autumn: Breeds in Japan, then migrates south to wintering grounds
Migration routes extend throughout East Asia
- Sociality
Highly solitary
Pairs only during breeding season
Territoriality: Maintains a fixed area in the forest
Makes noises to alert others to their presence
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of the ruddy kingfisher are birds of prey such as hawks and crows.
About Ruddy Kingfisher Chicks
This section provides information about Ruddy Kingfisher chicks. Ruddy Kingfishers are forest-dwelling kingfishers, and chicks also live a unique life in the forest.
- Eggs and Hatching
Number of Eggs: 3-5
Egg Color: White with no markings
Incubation Period: Approximately 18-20 days
Incubation: The female primarily incubates the eggs, while the male brings food.
- Chick Appearance
Newly Hatched:
Small body, covered with thin down
Red beak, eyes still closed
Developmental Stage:
Eyes open within a few days
Feathers grow in, and the crimson color deepens
- Life in the Nest
Nest Location: Tree hollows or holes in dead trees
Behavior:
Parents bring food
Keep warm and grow in the nest
Safety:
Stay in the nest to protect them from predators
Frequently supervised by parents
- Diet and Growth
First Food: Small insects and frogs fed by the parents via mouth-to-mouth feeding
Starts hunting independently: Once fully feathered, they leap from branches and practice short-distance hunting
Flight Ability: They begin practicing flying approximately 3-4 weeks after hatching
Independence: They leave the nest at around 4-5 weeks old and begin hunting independently
Is the ruddy kingfisher an endangered species?
The ruddy kingfisher is classified as least concern, and although it is not an endangered species, some local governments have it listed in the Red Data Book. The population is on a downward trend, mainly due to habitat destruction.
- International Conservation Status (IUCN)
Scientific Name: Halcyon coromanda
IUCN Red List: LC (Least Concern)
Globally, its distribution is wide and its population is relatively stable.
The risk of extinction is assessed as low.
- Status in Japan
In Japan, it migrates to Hokkaido and Kyushu as a summer bird and breeds there.
The population is said to be declining, due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and development.
It is sensitive to changes in the natural environment, and the number of observed individuals is limited.
In Japan, it is sometimes classified as a Near Threatened (NT) species on the Red List.
- Threats
Deforestation and river development → Decrease in tree cavities suitable for nesting
Human activities → Stress from noise and observation in the forest
Climate change → Impact on migration timing and the occurrence of insects on which it feeds
Can you keep ruddy kingfishers as pets?
The ruddy kingfisher is managed by the Ministry of the Environment under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act, and feeding it is prohibited.
- Wild Birds
Rufous Kingfishers are forest-dwelling migratory birds, adapted to tree hollows and deep forest environments.
Their legs (three in front and one in back) are designed to grip branches, making life on the ground or in cages difficult.
They are migratory birds, and seasonal migration is essential.
- Difficulty of Raising
Factors: Reasons for Difficulty
Environment: They require shade, humidity, and tree hollows in the forest to feel at ease.
Food: They prey on insects, small frogs, and lizards, so daily food is required.
Stress: They are easily stressed by humans and in cramped environments, and become ill.
Breeding: Breeding is difficult without tree hollows and open natural environments. - Legal Restrictions
In Japan, Rufous Kingfishers are protected under the Wild Bird and Animal Protection Act.
Capturing and raising them without permission is illegal.
They can only be kept for special research purposes or in conservation facilities with permission from the prefecture.
- Alternatives
Wildlife observation is the key to safe enjoyment.
Observe birds and hear their calls deep in the forest or along rivers.
You can also observe them at bird-watching facilities and natural parks.
We recommend avoiding captivity and enjoying them through observation and photography.
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