Home › Aves › Alcedinidae › Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca)
SPECIES PROFILE
Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca)
Ceyx
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Indian subcontinent southeast Asia
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Streams forests near water
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Coraciiformes
FAMILY
Alcedinidae
GENUS
Ceyx
📋 Description
SIZE
12-13 cm long 15-20 g
COLORATION
Rufous with blue back black band lilac rump
ADAPTATIONS
Small size for quick dives perches low
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Streams forests near water
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Indian subcontinent southeast Asia
REPRODUCTION
Lays 3-5 eggs in burrow nests incubated 17-18 days
DIET DETAILS
Fish insects crustaceans
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss pollution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Dwarf Divers: Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfishers dive with 18-gram bodies catching 5 grams of fish daily in Kerala's streams. Their lilac rumps flash in flight.
2
Stream Perchers: These kingfishers cover 1000 sq km in Tamil Nadu's forests nesting in banks. Pollution threatens their prey.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala
Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu
Silent Valley National Park in Kerala
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round Streams ensure visibility for spotting kingfishers
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Watch black-backed dwarf-kingfishers perched on low branches over water
