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Micronesian Kingfisher     (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina)


FUN FACT
The population was decimated after the arrival of the brown tree snake in the late 1940s. In the mid 1980s, scientists captured the 29 kingfishers and put them in zoos. By 1988 the kingfishers were extinct in the wild. Since then the population has doubled to about 60 birds and the goal is to produce 200 birds.

  They are about the size of a robin. Male kingfishers have mainly cinnamon-brown feathers with a blue tail and greenish-blue wings patches. They have a very big head and long beaks. Females and juveniles look similar but have a white breast.





 
DISTRIBUTION
EXTINCT in the wild. Originally found in Guam, Palau Islands and Micronesia

HABITAT
Formerly in forests, mangroves, woodland. Now only lives in zoos and at the National Aviary.

DIET
Lizards called anoles, insects, small reptiles

BREEDING
Both males and females build the nest in tree holes. The female lays 2 white eggs. Both parents feed the chicks.

STATUS
Endangered

AT THE AVIARY
See this bird in the Micronesian Kingfisher exhibit




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