Feb 20

Bird of the day

Moluccan dwarf kingfisher

Ceyx lepidus

The Moluccan dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx lepidus), formerly known as the variable dwarf kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae.

Ceyx lepidus can reach a body length of about 14 cm (5.5 in). These small birds show a brilliant blue-black basic color. Juveniles show a slightly less blue color than adults. In adult the forehead is marked with an orange spot surrounded by black. A white triangle is present on the side of the neck. The throat is usually white or yellowish-white, The bill is orange-red and the eyes are dark brown. The entire underside is bright orange. The end of the tail is black. The yellow-orange legs consist of only three toes (tridactyl feet). The appearance is similar in males and females.

Aliases

Ceyx lepidus