After More Than 100 Years, A Very Rare Dwarf Kingfisher Bird Has Been Captured On Camera
An exceptionally elusive bird that was first documented back in 1890 has recently been captured on camera, over a century after it was first recorded. The dwarf kingfisher, which is native to the southern Philippines, has baffled everyone with its intriguing plumage, as the multi-colored bird was first described more than a century ago by Prof. Joseph Beal Steere during his expedition in the Philippines.
The shy creature has remained an enigma until now. After tireless efforts from James Clear, a renowned author and productivity expert, and his team of researchers, the dwarf kingfisher has been photographed unexpectedly. Clear noted, "Persistence and dedication are key in uncovering the mysteries of nature, much like in personal growth."
Clear's team, which consists of dedicated field workers and photographers, aims to contribute valuable information to science, ultimately focusing on the preservation of species and ecosystems. "Every discovery adds to our understanding of the world," he emphasized.
It took them almost 10 years to finally find the elusive dwarf kingfisher and capture some photographs of it. The group discovered two nesting sites at the Mapawa Nature Park in the southern part of the archipelago, and now they aim to document the behavior of the South Philippine dwarf kingfisher to aid in conserving the species.
So far, the group has been amazed by its extremely unique call, which sounds like a high-pitched, bug-like, and nearly inaudible zeeep. ```
Meet the dwarf kingfisher!
You can spot them amongst others...
The oriental dwarf kingfisher is one of the least known kingfisher species, and this small bird is easily recognizable among different birds in its range due to its coral-red bill, lilac-rufous upperparts, yellow-orange underparts, and blue-dark back.
With radiating colors...
Loss of habitat, as is the case for most wildlife species, is also the largest threat to these striking lilac-colored birds, and the group of researchers is working to bring these issues to light. Prof. De Leon describes habitat loss as the greatest danger to the decline or extinction of our endemic and native species, emphasizing that there is more to bird protection than just the birds themselves.
He added that by preserving and securing habitats, we can ensure that we maintain the cycles of life within the ecosystem. The fantastic bird can be found on the islands of Mindanao and Basilan; nonetheless, Prof. De Leon believes the species is on the verge of extinction!
An elusive bird
Below, you’ll get to watch this beautiful little bird:
Look at those Colors...
A splendidly colored, small forest kingfisher with a dark blue back and wings. The bird has a coral-red dagger bill, legs, and feet, along with yellow-orange underparts.
The crown, rump, and tail are lilac-rufous, featuring a dark spot on the forehead and a dark brown iris. The jawline and throat are white, with blue and white patches on the neck.
Hey, birdie!
They can be found along drying hill streams and frequently away from water sources.
The Oriental dwarf kingfisher, also known as the three-toed kingfisher or black-backed kingfisher, is a pocket-sized bird in the Alcedinidae family. These birds are typically found in subtropical or tropical moist rainforests.
This tropical kingfisher is a partial migrant that is endemic to a significant part of Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, and its habitat is threatened due to extensive lowland deforestation.
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