The
South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (
Ceyx mindanensis) was first described 130 years ago during the Steere Expedition to the Philippines in 1890.
The bird is the tiniest species of forest kingfisher in the Philippines, and is characterized by its striking plumage of metallic lilac, orange, and bright blue spots.
It is found in the virgin and second-growth forests in the islands of Mindanao and Basilan. The South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher has a unique call, described as a “high-pitched, insect-like, and almost inaudible
zeeep.”
It has eluded scientists for over a hundred years because of its behavior. It is difficult to see as it perches quietly and darts invisibly from perch to perch.
But thanks to
Miguel David De Leon, a Filipino field biologist and director of the
Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy, we get a glimpse of the beautiful bird that is sadly threatened with extinction.
:05.18-flustered:
