The kingfisher species of bird is known for its vibrant and remarkable plumage that is a treat to the eyes. Tiny, adorable, and a brilliant feathery ball of yellow, orange, pink, and various shades of blue, the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher or simply the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is no exception! Belonging to the family Alcedinidae and order Coraciiformes, this species of kingfisher has an uncanny resemblance to the similar-looking black-backed kingfisher or the Oriental dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca). In fact, Ceyx rufidorsa was earlier thought to be a color morph of Ceyx erithaca until recent genetic studies revealed that Ceyx erithaca and Ceyx rufidorsa are two separate lineages. The rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher has four subspecies.The global distribution range of the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher is quite extensive and includes large swathes of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Typically, populations of this species and its subspecies are endemic in Bhutan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, and Srilanka. The tiny birds inhabit dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, bamboo and palm thickets, mangroves, dense rubber gardens, shrubs, and deep lowland forests. They forage in dense and shady vegetation patches and thrive on a diet comprising insects, fish, frogs, small crabs, lizards, worms, and spiders.Read on to know more about this colorful species of bird that gets its common English name from the reddish-brown feathers on its back.If you find the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher fascinating, you can also read about other interesting bird species such as the eastern kingbird and palm cockatoo.
Fun Rufous-backed Kingfisher Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects, fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, lizards
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 3-7 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g) Females: 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g)
How long are they? 5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, rufous
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? N/a
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Mangroves, Vegetation Patches
Locations India And Southeast Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ceyx
Class Aves
Family Alcedinidae
Rufous-Backed Kingfisher Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a rufous-backed kingfisher?The rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher or simply the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is a kingfisher species in the family Alcedinidae and order Coraciiformes.What class of animal does a rufous-backed kingfisher belong to?The rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) belongs to the class of birds.How many rufous-Backed kingfishers are there in the world?An estimate of the current global population size of the rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher is not available.Where does a rufous-backed kingfisher live?The rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) has an extensive distribution range encompassing the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In particular, the species and its four subspecies are endemic to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.What is a rufous-backed kingfisher’s habitat?The rufous-backed kingfisher habitat includes tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, palm and bamboo thickets, mangroves, shrubs, dense rubber gardens, and deep lowland forests. The bird is typically known to prefer a habitat close to ponds or forest streams but builds its nest pretty far away from water. The lowlands they are found in typically lie within an elevation of 3,280-4,265 ft (1,000-1,300 m) above sea level. The bird generally forages in areas of dense vegetation with abundant shady patches.The birds typically nest on the banks of streams, termite colonies, road cuttings, or on the ground near a fallen tree’s roots. What’s more, these little and dainty birds have an unusual nesting pattern. Instead of building a bowl or cup-shaped nest like most birds often do, the rufous-backed kingfisher builds a tunnel about 6-39 in (15-100 cm) in length.Who do rufous-backed kingfishers live with?The rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is usually solitary except during the breeding season.How long does a rufous-backed kingfisher live?The lifespan estimate of the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is not available. However, the species has close to four to five years of generation time (average time between two consecutive generations).How do they reproduce?The breeding season of the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) depends on the location of the population within the natural distribution range of the species. Both members of the breeding pair participate in excavating the tunnel-like nest that ends in an egg chamber. Post breeding, the female birds lay a clutch of about three to seven eggs. Rufous-backed kingfisher eggs are laid in the morning on alternate days. The eggs are incubated for near about 17-18 days by both parents. After the eggs hatch, the chicks take close to 18-20 days to fledge and become free.What is their conservation status?As per the current IUCN Red List status, the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) of the family Alcedinidae and order Coraciiformes is a species of Least Concern.Rufous-Backed Kingfisher Fun FactsWhat do rufous-Backed kingfishers look like?Although the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is a pocket-sized bird, the little creature compensates for size with the aesthetic color palette of its plumage. If you see any picture of rufous-backed kingfisher, you will agree that the species is a treat to the eyes. The plumage is a combination of orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, and rufous. The back and wings are rufous to violet-rufous, the underparts are pale orange to yellow, and the chin and throat are whitish. The bill, legs, and feet are orange to red, and the iris is dark brown. These birds look very similar to the oriental dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca), except the latter has a dark blue back. So, the next time you come across rufous-backed kingfisher images, you’ll instantly be able to identify these spectacular birds!*We’ve been unable to source an image of a rufous-backed kingfisher and have used an image of an azure kingfisher instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a rufous-backed kingfisher, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected].How cute are they?The small size and lively colors of the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) make it extremely cute and endearing.How do they communicate?The rufous-backed kingfisher call is a high-pitched ’tsriet-tsriet’ or a softer ’tjie-tjie-tjie’ when in flight.How big is a rufous-backed kingfisher?The rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is small in size. On average, the body length of these birds is about 5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm). In terms of length, the species is about an inch smaller than the common kingfisher of the genus Alcedo and roughly of the same size as the black-backed or Oriental dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca).How fast can a rufous-backed kingfisher fly?The exact flying speed of the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is not available. However, the species is known for its agility and swiftness, especially while hunting down prey. The birds often keep low to the ground and are known to snap up prey floating downstream.How much does a rufous-backed kingfisher weigh?While a male rufous-backed kingfisher weighs about 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g), its female counterpart is around 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g). The belted kingfisher of the genus Megaceryle is almost 10 times as heavy as the rufous-backed kingfisher. The black-backed kingfisher has a similar body weight range as the rufous-backed kingfisher.What are the male and female names of the species?A male or female kingfisher does not have any distinct name.What would you call a baby rufous-backed kingfisher?A rufous-backed kingfisher baby would be called a chick, nestling, or fledgling.What do they eat?You will mostly find a rufous-backed kingfisher eating insects such as grasshoppers, mantises, water beetles, flies, mayflies, and winged ants. Besides, members of the species may also consume fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, and even lizards.Are they dangerous?The rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is not known to be dangerous to humans. However, the kingfisher bird, in general, maybe aggressive and territorial during its nesting season.Would they make a good pet?The rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is a wild bird and may not be tame or friendly in any way. Hence, they are not suitable for a domestic environment, and there is no way you should try and pet them.Did you know…The four subspecies of the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) are Ceyx rufidorsa rufidorsa, Ceyx rufidorsa motleyi, Ceyx rufidorsa captus, and Ceyx rufidorsa jungei.The South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher of the genus Ceyx is an elusive kingfisher species that was first described in 1890 during the Steere Expedition to the Philippines. It has a unique insect-like call and is the smallest species of kingfisher in the Philippines.How many species of kingfishers are there?There are over 100 kingfisher species in the world. They all belong to the family Alcedinidae and mostly occupy any forest or wooded tropical habitat close to a water source.Do rufous-backed kingfishers migrate?The rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is a partial migrant. Northern populations are known to migrate south to the Malaysian peninsula during August-September and return in March.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these seaside sparrow facts and ibisbill facts for kids.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable bird coloring pages.
What type of animal is a rufous-backed kingfisher?
The rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher or simply the rufous-backed kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is a kingfisher species in the family Alcedinidae and order Coraciiformes.
Fun Rufous-backed Kingfisher Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects, fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, lizards
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 3-7 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g) Females: 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g)
How long are they? 5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, rufous
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? N/a
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Mangroves, Vegetation Patches
Locations India And Southeast Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ceyx
Class Aves
Family Alcedinidae
Fun Rufous-backed Kingfisher Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects, fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, lizards
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 3-7 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g) Females: 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g)
How long are they? 5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, rufous
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? N/a
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Mangroves, Vegetation Patches
Locations India And Southeast Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ceyx
Class Aves
Family Alcedinidae
Fun Rufous-backed Kingfisher Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects, fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, lizards
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 3-7 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g) Females: 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g)
How long are they? 5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, rufous
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? N/a
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Mangroves, Vegetation Patches
Locations India And Southeast Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ceyx
Class Aves
Family Alcedinidae
Fun Rufous-backed Kingfisher Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Insects, fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, lizards
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 3-7 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g) Females: 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g)
How long are they? 5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, rufous
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? N/a
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Mangroves, Vegetation Patches
Locations India And Southeast Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ceyx
Class Aves
Family Alcedinidae
What do they prey on? Insects, fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, lizards
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 3-7 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g) Females: 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g)
How long are they? 5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, rufous
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? N/a
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Mangroves, Vegetation Patches
Locations India And Southeast Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ceyx
Class Aves
Family Alcedinidae
What do they prey on? Insects, fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, lizards
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 3-7 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g) Females: 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g)
How long are they? 5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, rufous
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? N/a
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
What do they prey on?
Insects, fish, small crabs, frogs, spiders, lizards
What do they eat?
Carnivores
Average litter size?
3-7 eggs
How much do they weigh?
Males: 0.49-0.76 oz (14-21.5 g) Females: 0.49-0.56 oz (14-16 g)
How long are they?
5-5.5 in (12.7-14 cm)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
Orange, yellow, blue, white, violet, pink, rufous
Skin Type
Feathers
What were their main threats?
N/a
What is their conservation status?
Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Mangroves, Vegetation Patches
Locations India And Southeast Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ceyx
Class Aves
Family Alcedinidae
Where you’ll find them?
Mangroves, Vegetation Patches
Locations
India And Southeast Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Ceyx
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Ceyx
Class Aves
Family Alcedinidae
