Ruddy kingfisher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruddy kingfisher |
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The ruddy kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is a beautiful bird found across eastern and southeastern Asia. It's a type of tree kingfisher, known for its bright colors and shy nature. This medium-sized bird is often heard before it's seen, as it prefers to live in thick forests.
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What Does It Look Like?
The ruddy kingfisher grows to be about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. It has a very large, bright red beak and matching red legs. Its body is mostly a rusty red color, which often turns a deeper purple near its tail.
It's hard to tell the difference between male and female ruddy kingfishers just by looking at them. Some people say the males might have slightly brighter feathers. Because these birds like to stay hidden in dense forests, you're more likely to hear their high, downward-sloping call than to spot them. They usually travel alone or in pairs.
Where Do They Live and What's Their Home Like?
The ruddy kingfisher lives in a wide area, from South Korea and Japan in the north, all the way south through the Philippines to the Sunda Islands. They also live west into China and India.
These birds are migratory, which means they travel long distances. Birds from the northern parts of their range fly south to places like Borneo during the winter months. While they are quite common in the southern areas, they are rare in Japan. Bird watchers in Japan are always excited to see one!
Ruddy kingfishers make their homes in forested areas, from cooler temperate zones to warm tropical regions. They especially love thick jungles and rainforests. The scientific name for this bird, coromanda, comes from the Coromandel Coast in India.
What Do Ruddy Kingfishers Eat?
Like many other kingfishers, ruddy kingfishers mostly eat fish, crabs, and large insects. However, if they live in places where there isn't much running water, they will also eat frogs and other amphibians.
Different Kinds of Ruddy Kingfishers
Scientists have found that there are several different types, or subspecies, of the ruddy kingfisher. These different groups have slight variations, often depending on where they live.
