Micronesian kingfisher

Halcyon cinnamomina

BIRD
Order Coraciiformes

Description
Adults about 8 inches long with a large, strong beak. Brownish-red crown, black-green mask extends around the nape, dark blue-green upper parts, purple-blue wings, and cinnamon wing lining. Upper beak dark brown, lower mainly horn colored; eyes dark brown, legs blackish. Females and young are a brownish red (paler than the male) with white under parts.

Range
Once abundant on the island of Guam. Now extinct on the island and found only in zoos.

Status
Extinct in the wild, entire population found in zoos. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Micronesian Kingfisher Species Survival Plan. Main threat to this bird is the brown tree snake believed to be carried to Guam in military cargo planes during and after World War II.

The beautiful bird you see here is one of the rarest in the world.
Until this spring, when several hatchings were reported at North American zoos, including two at Lincoln Park Zoo, only 59 Guam Micronesian kingfishers remained in the world – and all lived in captivity. The hatchings boost hopes for one day reintroducing the offspring of captive birds to their native habitat on the Pacific island.

To learn about the development of Lincoln Park Zoo’s two chicks, click here.

Habitat
Historically occurred island-wide in all habitats except pure savanna and wetlands, favoring woodlands and forest areas for feeding and nesting.

Niche
Carnivorous: like several species of kingfishers, this species does not rely on fish for its diet. Feeds primarily on grasshoppers, lizards, insects and small crustaceans. An aggressive bird. Micronesian kingfishers appear to identify and defend nesting territories.

Life History
Both sexes participate in nest excavation, which may play an important role in pair bonding. Breeding season December-July. Both parents care for nest and chicks. Between 1-3 eggs incubate 21-23 days. Chicks fed by parental regurgitation in early stages with small food items offered later. Fledging is estimated at 33 days.

Special Adaptations

Large, strong beak allows bird to drill nest holes in trees and rotting wood.