Little Paradise-Kingfisher

The Little Paradise-Kingfisher (Tanysiptera hydrocharis) is a small kingfisher.

Other names
Also known as the Aru Paradise-Kingfisher.

Description
Is exactly 19 cm in length (excluding its tail).

The Little Paradise-Kingfisher is near identical in looks to the Common Paradise-Kingfisher with its blue plumage and dark blue back and crown. It is smaller; however, and sports a lighter blue crown. The kingfisher also possesses outer tail feathers that are blue. Juveniles have dark brown upperparts with rufous coloured tips to its wings. Has a buff breast with dark streaking.

Similar species
It shares a similar appearance to the Common Paradise-Kingfisher.

Distribution/habitat
Found in dense lowland rainforests. Its range includes the trans-fly region of New Guinea and the Aru Islands. One beachwashed specimen was also found in Australia. (Saibai I., 2010)