Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa Scientific name definitions

This tiny but eye-popping kingfisher is a resident of Sundaic rainforests. Few birds match its audacious coloration: it is bright rufous above and deep chrome yellow below, highlighted by electric lilac purple in the crown and rump and a white patch on the side of the neck. This splash of color is further accented by a large bright coral-red bill and tiny coral-red three-toed feet. It truly glows in dark forest understories.

Some individuals and populations, particularly in northeastern Borneo, show even more color, with variable amounts of bright-blue highlights in the wings. These birds can appear very similar to the closely related Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca), which is sometimes considered conspecific with Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher under the name "Oriental Dwarf-Kingfisher." Despite plumage similarities and reports of birds that seem to be intermediate between the two species, genetic studies have supported their status as separate species.

The Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher is a shy species, most likely to be encountered flying rapidly through forest giving high-pitched call notes. Despite the "kingfisher" name, it is not always associated with water and frequently forages on terrestrial prey.