About
The Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher is endemic to Java, Indonesia.
It has only been recorded twice since the 1930s, as they were seen in Gunung Halimun National Park in June 2009. It may however be under recorded owing to its shy behaviour and often remote habitat. This species is part of the Alcedinidae Kingfisher family, which diverged from all other species of birds 26.9 million years ago. This species diverged on it’s own from its closest relatives 7.95 million years ago, during the Neogene period. This species is suspected to be undergoing a continuing population decline as a result of significant losses in the extent of this habitat throughout its range. The human population brings large demand and pressure on natural resources, which has led to a massive reduction in forest cover. Threats continue in the forms of conversion to agriculture, development and fire. There are also very few records of this species, inferring that any remaining subpopulations are extremely small and declining. This species does occur in the protected Gunung Halimun National Park. Urgent clarification of this species current population is required, so this species should become a key target during surveys.
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Alcedinidae
- Population: 50-249
- Trend: decreasing
- Size: 17cm
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species found in Java, Indonesia.
Habitat and Ecology
This species is generally sedentary on rocky or slow-flowing streams and larger rivers running through forest, most commonly in the lowlands, but can go up to 1,500m. This species is mainly piscivorous (carnivorous but eats mainly fish), also consuming crustaceans, insects and small reptiles. Breeding has been recorded in March- April.
