The blue banded kingfisher (Alcedo euryzona) is a beautiful bird found in parts of Southeast Asia. This brightly colored kingfisher has electric blue bands across its back and sides, contrasting sharply with the rusty orange on its head, wings and tail. The blue banded kingfisher inhabits a variety of wetland habitats across its range and has specific requirements for its nesting and feeding sites. Understanding the habitat needs of this species is important for conservation efforts.
Geographic Range
The blue banded kingfisher has a wide distribution across Southeast Asia. Its range extends from Myanmar and Thailand in the northwest, south through Malaysia and Indonesia, and eastwards to Papua New Guinea (1). This species is found on the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa in Indonesia (2). The blue banded kingfisher occupies both coastal and inland wetland habitats across its range.
Wetland Habitats
The blue banded kingfisher is found in a variety of wetland habitats including mangroves, swamps, marshes, streams, rivers, and ponds (3). It occurs in both coastal and inland wetland areas from sea level up to elevations of 1,000 meters. This kingfisher requires still or slow-moving bodies of water within its territory since it hunts for fish by plunging from an overhanging perch. The blue banded kingfisher is often observed perching on branches overhanging the water or on exposed roots along riverbanks (4).
Some key wetland habitats occupied by the blue banded kingfisher include:
Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forests along tropical coastlines provide important habitat for the blue banded kingfisher (5). Mangroves contain saltwater tidal channels and mudflats where the birds can hunt for crabs and fish. Kingfishers use the aerial root structures in mangroves as perching sites.
Freshwater Swamps
Freshwater swamps and marshes with areas of open water are also essential habitat for this species. The blue banded kingfisher is able to hunt for food as it perches along the edge of swamps, diving down to catch fish and aquatic insects (6). Waterways and oxbow lakes embedded within swamp forests are especially valuable.
River Systems
Rivers, streams, and creeks ranging from narrow forest streams to large lowland rivers provide key foraging and nesting habitat (7). The blue banded kingfisher requires gently flowing or still sections of rivers where it can spot prey from an overhanging perch. Slow moving rivers allow growth of overhanging vegetation used for perching.
Ponds
Small freshwater ponds, lakes, and reservoirs also provide suitable feeding habitat for the blue banded kingfisher (8). These open bodies of water become productive hunting grounds when surrounded by trees, shrubs and overhanging branches. The blue banded kingfisher relies on aerial perches for hunting.
Forest Habitats
In addition to wetlands, the blue banded kingfisher relies on forested areas for nesting and shelter. Although feeding occurs over water, this species nests and roosts in trees within adjacent forest habitats. Key features of nesting and shelter forests include:
Primary Lowland Forests
Primary lowland evergreen tropical forests provide ideal habitat for the blue banded kingfisher (9). These forests feature tall mature trees needed for nesting cavities. The bird excavates nest holes high on tree trunks or in overhead branches. Primary forests also provide a diversity of food sources.
Secondary Forests
Secondary forests regenerating after disturbance also provide valuable habitat, although large mature trees needed for nesting may be lacking (10). Secondary forests are used for foraging and shelter. The bird’s bright plumage blends into dappled forest light.
Riverine Forests
Forested corridors along rivers and streams are especially important since they provide both nesting trees and adjacent foraging habitat (11). The blue banded kingfisher uses riverine forests extensively for establishing breeding territories.
Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forests used for foraging also provide roosting and nesting habitat (12). Tall mangrove trees along channels and the shoreline are used for nesting. Mangrove aerial roots offer protected roosting sites.
Territory and Nest Sites
The blue banded kingfisher maintains clearly defined breeding and feeding territories. It excavates nesting holes within stable territory sites over a period of years and may use the same nest hole in consecutive years (13). Key features of nesting territories include:
Nest Trees
Preferred nest trees are tall hardwood trees located along rivers, streams, swamps, or mangrove channels. Rarely, nests may be excavated in overhead embankments or arboreal termite nests (14). Nest height is typically 6-30 feet above the ground.
Perches
Low overhanging branches, exposed roots, and emergent snags are used as hunting perches within the territory. Perches allow a clear view of the water below.
Foraging Range
The overall territory extends further to encompass forest areas up to 300 feet away from the water’s edge for sheltering and roosting (15). This includes forest cover needed for foraging on land invertebrates.
Territory Size
Reported breeding territory sizes range from 1-5 acres along a suitable waterway (16). Sufficient foraging habitat and availability of nest sites influence territory size.
Conservation
Wetland and forest habitat loss pose significant threats to the blue banded kingfisher’s specialized habitat requirements. Conservation priorities for this species include protection of mangroves, swamps, and lowland tropical forests throughout its range. Riparian reserves that preserve riverine and coastal forests are especially important. Careful management of secondary forests and regenerating habitats can also support kingfisher populations. Ecotourism focused on the blue banded kingfisher can also contribute to habitat conservation. Ongoing monitoring of population trends is needed to evaluate the success of conservation actions for this brightly colored indicator of wetland health.
Conclusion
In summary, the blue banded kingfisher relies on a diversity of wetland habitats across its geographic range, using mangroves, swamps, rivers, streams, and ponds for foraging. Adjacent lowland tropical forests provide nesting sites and shelter. Conservation of riparian buffers and coastal mangrove ecosystems is particularly important for protecting the specialized habitat needs of this species. As a conspicuous indicator of intact wetland ecosystems, preserving habitat for the blue banded kingfisher can contribute to the health of associated aquatic communities and benefit local human populations.
