Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Oriental dwarf kingfisher

Ceyx erithaca

Carolus Linnaeus, 1758

In Thai: นกกะเต็นน้อยสามนิ้ว

The Oriental dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca), also known as the black-backed kingfisher or three-toed kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. A widespread resident of lowland forest, it is endemic across much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

This is a small, red and yellow kingfisher, averaging 13 cm in length, yellow underparts with glowing bluish-black upperparts.

Habitat

The preferred habitat is small streams in densely shaded forests. In the Konkan region of southwest India.

Breeding

It begins to breed with the onset of the southwest monsoon in June. The nest is a horizontal tunnel up to a metre in length. The clutch of four or five eggs hatches in 17 days with both the male and female incubating. The birds fledge after 20 days and a second brood may be raised if the first fails. The young are fed with geckos, skinks, crabs, snails, frogs, crickets, and dragonflies. The rufous-backed kingfisher is sometimes considered a subspecies.

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Category / Seasonal Status

BCST Category: Recorded in an apparently wild state within the last 50 years

BCST Seasonal statuses:

  • Resident or presumed resident
  • Non-breeding visitor

Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Coraciiformes
Family
Alcedinidae
Genus
Ceyx
Species
Ceyx erithaca

Common names

  • Thai: นกกะเต็นน้อยสามนิ้ว

Synonyms

  • Ceyx rufidorsa, Hugh Edwin Strickland (1847)
  • Ceyx erithacus, Carolus Linnaeus (1758)
  • Ceyx microsoma
  • Ceyx tridactylus

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Photos

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Oriental dwarf kingfisher
Black-backed kingfisher
Oriental dwarf kingfisher

Range Map

Distribution map of Oriental dwarf kingfisher, Ceyx erithaca in Thailand
  • Bang Lang National Park
  • Bangkok Province
  • Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai
  • Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park
  • Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Luang National Park
  • Khao Phra - Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
  • Khao Sok National Park
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Klaeng District, Rayong
  • Kui Buri National Park
  • Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen
  • Mueang Krabi District, Krabi
  • Mueang Maha Sarakham District, Maha Sarakham
  • Nong Plak Phra Ya – Khao Raya Bangsa Non-Hunting
  • Phu Suan Sai National Park
  • Samut Prakan Province
  • San Kala Khiri National Park
  • Sri Phang-nga National Park
  • Takua Pa District, Phang Nga
  • Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga
Range map of Ceyx erithaca in Thailand