Kofiau paradise kingfisher
Kofiau paradise kingfisher (Tanysiptera ellioti) is a tree kingfisher in the Alcedinidae family. It is endemic to Kofiau Island off the west coast of New Guinea, meaning it is found nowhere else. Although some scientists once considered it a subspecies of the common paradise kingfisher, it is distinct enough to be treated as its own species.
Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Habitat: Primary forest, tall secondary forest, and subtropical/tropical moist lowland forest. It is also common in lightly wooded village gardens.
Description: About 34 cm long in total, including its long central tail feathers (about 10–11 cm). The head and upper parts are dark blue, while the rump, tail, and underparts are white. The central tail feathers are long and tapering. The bill is bright scarlet.
Diet: Insects and worms, which it searches for on the ground.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 17:37 (CET).