Cute Fledgling of Ultra-Rare Dwarf Kingfisher Photographed For the First Time

A fledgling dwarf kingfisher and the tiniest of the species has been photographed for the first time ever. The South Philippines Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx Mindanesis) was observed and described 130 years ago during the Steere Expedition to the Philippines in 1890.

The kingfisher is the tiniest of forest kingfishers in the Philippines. It can be made out by its striking plumage of metallic lilac orange and bright blue spots.

The South Philippine dwarf kingfisher inhabits the virgin and second-growth forests in the islands of Basilan and Mindanao. It is known for its unique call that is almost like a “high pitched insect-like inaudible zeeeep”

This tiny bird has been eluding scientists for more than a 100 years because of its behavior and it is extremely difficult to spot it because it darts around almost invisibly flying between trees for places to perch.

The man responsible for this incredible find is Miguel David De Leon, a Filipino field biologist, and director of the Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy. Because of his patience and effort, we now have got a glimpse of the beautiful bird that is being threatened with extinction. Only around 2500 to 10000 exist today.

The Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy is a group of eight field workers and bird photographers. They selflessly go about documenting birds and habitats and constantly contribute data previously unknown to science, with the ultimate goal of conserving species and ecosystems.

De Leon speaking to reporters said "We focus on poorly known birds and document their biology and ecology or how they interact with other organisms in their habitat," he adds

The photos that you see here of the bird’s fledgling have been taken by De Leon and this will be the first time Filipinos will get to see one of their birds, a rare species for the first time. Imagine that.

De Leon and his team spent 10 years tracking and researching the South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher, including its nesting, feeding and breeding habits.

source esquire: 

pics by Miguel De Leon