Bismarck Kingfisher

Ceyx websteri

Bismarck Kingfisher (Ceyx websteri) — Kingfishers & Rollers of Australia & Oceania.

The Bismarck Kingfisher (Ceyx websteri) is a member of the Alcedinidae family found in Australia & Oceania. Adults weigh 61 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

VU Vulnerable

Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Coraciiformes
Family Alcedinidae Kingfishers
Genus Ceyx
Species websteri

Where it lives

Lavongai (=New Hanover), New Ireland, Lihir (north of central New Ireland), Umboi (west of New Britain) and New Britain (eastern Bismarck Arch.)

Australia & Oceania

Quick facts

Weight: 61 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Alcedinidae
Order: Coraciiformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Critically Endangered

Malaysian Blue-banded Kingfisher

Alcedo peninsulae

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Bismarck Kingfisher hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of rivers and riverside habitats, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.

Migration

The Bismarck Kingfisher is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

The Bismarck Kingfisher (Ceyx websteri) is a member of the Alcedinidae family, within the order Coraciiformes. It is found across Australia & Oceania. Its distribution covers AU Lavongai (=New Hanover), New Ireland, Lihir (n of c New Ireland), Umboi (w of New Britain) and New Britain (e Bismarck Arch.).

It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 61 g, with a wing length of about 8.9 cm and a tail of around 4 cm.

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

The species has a mapped global range of roughly 14,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Bismarck Kingfisher?

The Bismarck Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 61 g.

Where does the Bismarck Kingfisher live?

The Bismarck Kingfisher is found across Australia & Oceania with a range covering AU Lavongai (=New Hanover), New Ireland, Lihir (n of c New Ireland), Umboi (w of New Britain) and New Britain (e Bismarck Arch.), where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the Bismarck Kingfisher belong to?

The Bismarck Kingfisher (Ceyx websteri) belongs to the Alcedinidae family, in the order Coraciiformes.

What does the Bismarck Kingfisher eat?

The Bismarck Kingfisher hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the Bismarck Kingfisher migrate?

The Bismarck Kingfisher is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

Is the Bismarck Kingfisher endangered?

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

How large is the Bismarck Kingfisher's range?

The Bismarck Kingfisher has a mapped global range of about 14,000 km².