In a remarkable discovery, the South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx mindanensis), first documented 130 years ago during the Steere Expedition in 1890, has finally revealed itself through the lens of Filipino field biologist Miguel David De Leon. The elusive kingfisher, the smallest among forest kingfisher species in the Philippines, has long eluded scientific scrutiny due to its diminutive size and discreet habits.
Photographed for the First Time
The photos you about see of this fledgling, shot by De Leon have never been published, so this really is the first time most people around the world will see this rare species.
They are the result of 10 years of painstaking, sometimes laborious tracking by De Leon and his team in an attempt to document these birds’ habits.
This diminutive bird stands out not only for its size but also for its stunning metallic lilac, orange, and bright blue plumage. Found exclusively on the islands of Mindanao and Basilan, the South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher resides in virgin and second-growth forests, keeping its presence secret with an almost inaudible zeeep-like call.
The recent photographs captured by Miguel De Leon mark the first-time publication of images of this rare species. Over a decade of meticulous tracking and observation led by De Leon and his team has culminated in this visual documentation of the South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher’s habits and habitats.
The species sustains itself by feeding on a variety of small creatures, including earthworms, small lizards, and various invertebrates. However, its survival faces significant threats from habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change.
Miguel De Leon emphasizes the interconnectedness of conservation efforts, extending beyond the birds themselves to encompass the preservation of habitats. The decline of endemic and indigenous species, he notes, is primarily driven by habitat loss, emphasizing the need to protect ecosystems in their entirety.
In a world often overshadowed by environmental concerns, the revelation of the South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher brings a ray of hope. These images, a product of dedication and perseverance, not only showcase the bird’s exquisite beauty but also serve as a reminder of the urgent need for conservation measures to ensure the survival of such rare and remarkable species.
