Southern silvery kingfisher
species of bird
The southern silvery kingfisher (Ceyx argentatus) is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to the Philippines found in Mindanao and Basilan. This species and the northern silvery kingfisher, found in the Visayas, were formerly considered conspecific and called the silvery kingfisher.Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests, streams and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.
In the Philippines, it is called kasay-kasay, and figures in the legend concerning the discovery of the Catholic image of Our Lady of Caysasay.
Description and taxonomy
It is differentiated from its northern counterpart by its bluish-white throat, cheek and belly versus the cream-coloured parts of the Northern silvery kingfisher. It also is greenish blue on belly and flanks and is slightly larger. This species is monotypic and has no subspecies.
Ecology and behavior
Diet consists of small fish and crabs. Has aloso been recorded feeding on insects. Perches on a low branch beside a stream and dives in to catch its prey then returns to its perch.
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