Guam Micronesian kingfisher
Latin Name
Todiramphus cinnamominus
Class
Birds
Order
Coraciiformes
Description
Todiramphus cinnamominus
Class
Birds
Order
Coraciiformes
Description
The Guam Micronesian kingfisher is a sexually dimorphic species, meaning males and females differ in appearance. Both sexes have a greenish-blue back and wings, but the male has a rich cinnamon head and chest, while the female has a paler head and white chest.
Range
Status
Habitat
Niche
Life History
Bonus Content
The Guam Micronesian kingfisher was once widespread on the island of Guam but is extinct in the wild due to the introduction of the brown tree snake. Only 100 individuals remain in zoos, which have developed breeding programs to increase their numbers.
Status
Extinct in the wild. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Micronesian Kingfisher Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Habitat
Woodlands and forests
Niche
The Guam Micronesian kingfisher feeds on insects and lizards, catching them with its large beak.
Life History
The Guam Micronesian kingfisher's beak is also used to drill holes into trees and rotting wood for nesting. Male and female birds work together to excavate the nest, an activity that may help the pair bond.
Bonus Content
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Celebrating Seniors—Guam Micronesian Kingfishers We close our month of Celebrating Seniors by looking at the zoo’s Guam Micronesian kingfishers. They may not be geriatric, but these endangered birds have 52 grandkids between them! |
