Species information
Scientific name: Halcyon coromanda bangsi
Japanese name: リュウキュウアカショウビン
Chinese name: 琉球赤翡翠
English name: Ruddy kigfisher
Origin: Summer visitor to the Ryukyu Islands
Ecology and description
Ruddy kigfisher in Ryukyu Islands refers to the subspecies Halcyon coromanda bangsi of the Ruddy kingfisher. It winters in the Philippines and breeds in the Ryukyu Islands during summer. Compared to the other subspecies that visits Japan (Halcyon coromanda major), it has deeper purple feathers on its back and a larger patch of silver-blue. On Okinawajima, its call can be heard as early as April, but it is typically difficult to spot due to its forest-dwelling habits.
It is easier to observe Ruddy kigfisher breeding on Iriomote and Ishigaki than on Okinawajima. They utilize the termite nests of Nasutitermes takasagoensis on trees, tunneling inside. The termites quickly repair the exposed nest structure, creating ideal nesting sites for Ruddy kigfisher. As Nasutitermes takasagoensis is only found in the Yaeyama Islands in Japan, Ruddy kingfishers breeding on Okinawajima may use old tree cavities.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
The Ruddy kingfisher usually arrives in the Ryukyu Islands in early April. In the Yambaru area, its call is often heard at dawn, but sightings are rare. It is typically glimpsed when a ruddy kingfisher flies across the road during our 【Morning Birding】 tour, and occasionally seen sleeping during our 【Night Birding】 tour. There is a higher chance of seeing this species on Ishigaki, Iriomote, or Amami Oshima.
