Fun Javan Kingfisher Facts For Kids

The Javan kingfisher, Halcyon cyanoventris, is one of the most attractive birds in the world and is an important part of the birdlife in Indonesia. This bird has a purple-bluish plumage and a bright red bill. It is endemic to the islands of Java and Bali of Indonesia, which means that the range of its distribution is limited only to these islands. This species is also called the blue-bellied kingfisher, the Java kingfisher, or le martin-chasseur de Java in French, and is known locally as 'cekakak gunung' or 'cekakak jawa' for the sound it makes. The species is classified as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List for their large presence among the birdlife in the area. However, they are illegally traded to be sold in the market and face destruction of their habitat due to deforestation, which has been the reason for the sharply declining population of the Javan blue-banded kingfisher (Alcedo euryzona), which is also an endemic kingfisher species found among the birdlife in Java.

To know more interesting facts about other bird species, check out our Australian pelican facts and least flycatcher facts pages.

What type of animal is a Javan kingfisher?

The Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) is a type of bird.

What class of animal does a Javan kingfisher belong to?

This bird belongs to the class Aves, order Coraciiformes, family Alcedinidae and genus Halcyon.

How many Javan kingfishers are there in the world?

The exact number of the Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) in the world is unknown. However, its population is said to be declining in recent years.

Where does a Javan kingfisher live?

The Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) is a species that is endemic to the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali, which means that it is only found in those areas. So if you were to mark its location on a map, it would be a single dot over Indonesia.

What is a Javan kingfisher's habitat?

The species of the Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) is known to prefer terrestrial habitats as it is not dependent on fish for its diet. As described in the 'Handbook of the Birds of the World,' these birds are commonly found in open forests, marshes, paddy fields, fish ponds, and pastures. It generally avoids close-canopied forests unless they have some open spaces in them that are essential for these birds to hunt or search for food. It has a similar habit to the Javan blue-banded kingfisher. However, recently the Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) has also been found in and around urban settlements that have a lot of plants and vegetation.

Who do Javan kingfishers live with?

The individuals of this species mostly live independently and get scared when around humans.

How long does a Javan kingfisher live?

The lifespan of the Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) is currently unknown. However, its generation length is three to four years, which is the average number of years between two generations of a species.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season for the Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) occurs from February and lasts till September. The clutch size of these birds ranges from three to five eggs which are pure white and laid in a nest that is made inside an excavated tunnel. These tunnels are usually located a good height above the ground to prevent the eggs from being attacked and eaten by predators like snakes, foxes, or mongooses.

What is their conservation status?

Although they were considered Near Threatened earlier, in 2016, they were reassessed and classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List and BirdLife International. However, their declining population due to illegal trading and loss of habitat is a cause of concern. There is a need for reassessment so as to prevent it from the same fate as the Javan blue-banded kingfisher.

What do Javan kingfishers look like?

The Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) or le martin-chasseur de Java is mainly known in the world for its large red bill. They have a big, dark head, neck, and chest. This bird has a bright purple or bluish plumage with a turquoise tinge on its primary coverts and tail feathers. Aside from the bright red bill, their feet are also a dark red and a blue belly. They also have a white patch on their primary coverts that is visible when they are seen flying.

How cute are they?

These colorful birds are sure to delight anyone who finds them in the wild. Their bright plumage only adds to their cuteness and makes them one of the most adorable birds in the world.

How do they communicate?

There is not enough evidence to suggest that the Javan kingfishers communicate with other birdlife as they usually like to be alone in the wild. They do have a bird call which is described by locals in the area as a sharp scream and are locally named 'cekakak gunung' or 'cekakak jawa' for their call.

How big is a Javan kingfisher?

This bird can range from 9.8-10.6 in (25-27 cm) in length and thus, are almost twice as big as the common kingfisher.

How fast can a Javan kingfisher fly?

The exact speed of the Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) is not known but kingfishers, in general, have been known to achieve speeds as high as 25 mph (40 kph).

How much does a Javan kingfisher weigh?

There is no data available regarding the weight of the Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris).

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no specific names for the males and females of this species of kingfishers.

What would you call a baby Javan kingfisher?

A baby Java kingfisher is called a hatchling and is called a juvenile when it starts growing but is not quite an adult yet. The hatchlings emerge out of their eggs underdeveloped but become capable of flight within a month. As hatchlings, they are fed soft food like worms or grubs by their parents and then are slowly shifted to normal food for kingfishers as they grow into adult birds.

What do they eat?

The Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) normally searches for and feeds on small insects and animals such as fish, shrimps, frogs, or reptiles that are found on the surface of water or near the ban. According to the 'Handbook of the Birds of the World,' the bird does not prefer aquatic hunting like other kingfishers. Once they spot their prey and swoop down to catch it, they will often beat it against a branch to kill it before eating it.

Are they dangerous?

This species is not dangerous to human beings. In fact, they get scared and nervous around humans so there is no need to worry about your safety around these blue-bellied kingfishers.

Would they make a good pet?

The Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) would not make a good pet as it is not suitable for living in a captive environment and this bird is quite used to being in the wild.

Did you know...

Unlike other birds of the world that belong to the order Coraciiformes, family Alcedinidae and genus Halcyon, the Java kingfisher can lay eggs up to four times in a single breeding season.

How many species of kingfishers are there?

There are about 114 different species of kingfishers around the world. They have a wide distribution and have lots of similarities due to which they are grouped together. They all have large heads, pointed bills, and all of them swoop down to catch their prey. Unlike their name suggests, not all of the kingfisher species live near water and consume fish. They are most commonly purple or green but may also be of other colors.

Are Javan kingfishers endemic?

Yes, the Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris) is an endemic bird and it is native to the islands Java and Bali of Indonesia. This species is found nowhere else in the world.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our belted kingfisher facts and ring-necked duck facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable javan kingfisher coloring pages.