Spotted wood kingfisher

The spotted wood kingfisher, also known as the spotted kingfisher, is a vibrant bird species native to the Philippines. Belonging to the Alcedinidae family, this bird thrives in the subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests of the region.

Distinctive and colorful, the spotted wood kingfisher stands out among other kingfishers in the Philippines. It measures about 26 cm in length, with males being particularly striking due to their dark green crowns, blue eye stripes (supercilium), and orange-brown throats. In contrast, females and juveniles exhibit duller colors.

This bird is endemic to the Philippines, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It can be observed in locales such as Luzon, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Negros, and Panay. The spotted wood kingfisher prefers moist primary forests, often in lowland and hilly areas. Typically, it is seen either alone or in pairs, navigating through the dense forest undergrowth.

In terms of diet, the spotted wood kingfisher is quite versatile. It feeds on beetles, insects, snails, and even small vertebrates.

Although not much is known about their breeding habits, it is believed that they nest in termite nests found in trees. However, their population is suspected to be gradually declining due to habitat destruction, mainly from logging activities. Despite this, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies the species as "Least Concern." The decline in their numbers is not rapid enough to consider them more threatened at this time.