Red-backed Kingfisher
Todiramphus pyrrhopygius
Silhouette: Steven Traver · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderCoraciiformes (Rollers, Kingfishers, and Allies)
- FamilyAlcedinidae (Kingfishers)
- GenusTodiramphus (Indo-Pacific Kingfishers)
- SpeciesTodiramphus pyrrhopygius (Red-backed Kingfisher)
About the Red-backed Kingfisher
The red-backed kingfisher (Todiramphus pyrrhopygius) is a species of kingfisher in the subfamily Halcyoninae, also known as tree kingfishers. It is a predominantly blue-green and white bird with a chestnut rump. It is found across the continent of Australia, mainly inhabiting the drier regions.
The red-backed kingfisher was first described by the English ornithologist and bird artist John Gould in 1841. He coined the binomial name Halcyon pyrrhopygia. It was known for many years by this scientific name before being transferred to the genus Todiramphus. The generic name is derived from the genus Todus (Brisson, 1760), 'tody' (a West Indian insectivorous bird) and Ancient Greek rhamphos, 'bill'. Its specific epithet is derived from the Ancient Greek words pyrrho-/πυρρο- 'flame-coloured' or 'red' and pyge/πυγή 'rump'. The species is monotypic.
The red-backed kingfisher measures 20 to 24 cm (7.9 to 9.4 in); the male weighs 45–70 g (1.6–2.5 oz) and the female 41–62 g (1.4–2.2 oz). It has a streaked green and white crown, bluish-green wings and tail, and lower back, rump and upper tail coverts chestnut with white breast, abdomen, and nape. It has a black... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Red-backed Kingfisher in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 2 | Flinders Ranges National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 3 | Ningaloo Marine Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 4 | Nitmiluk National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 5 | Kakadu National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 6 | Litchfield National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 7 | Cape Range | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 8 | Daintree National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 9 | Blue Mountains National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 10 | Royal National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Red-backed Kingfisher in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?
About 30% of wildlife watchers report a Red-backed Kingfisher sighting in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, based on 111 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Red-backed Kingfisher in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?
September has the highest sighting rate for Red-backed Kingfisher in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in our monthly data.