The Guam Micronesian Kingfisher
an endangered animal of Guam
Description
- Both male and female birds have a blue/greenish back and wings
- They are about 9 inches (22 centimeters) tall
- Males have a cinnamon colored head and chest
- Females have a paler head and a white chest
- They have a loud, raspy, distinct call that can be heard from afar
- Weights about 60 grams.
- They have a large head, a short neck and tail, weak feet, and a straight, strong bill that is flattened on the top and bottom.
Adaptation
- Catches prey by perching motionless then swooping down to the ground to catch the prey with its beak once it has spotted it
- They are very aggressive and territorial
- Nested and slept in tree cavities
- They can display a threat posture by pointing their head upward, holding wings away from body, and pointing their tail straight down
Habitat
- They are Forest dwelling birds
- Flourished in Guam's limestone forests and coconut plantations
Food Chain
- Eats insects, small reptiles, like lizards and fish
- Is eaten by the Brown Tree Snake
Endangerment
- Endangered because of the introduction of the Brown Tree Snake into their habitat
- The Brown Tree Snake has been raiding the Guam Micronesian Kingfishers' nests which lead to a decrease in population
- It is now extinct in the wild and can only be found in captivity
Conservation
- Being held in captivity in many zoos and in Guam
- Hasn't been reestablished in the wild, but plans are underway
Guam Kingfishers - World of Birds - Bronx Zoo
Works Cited for Photos
Gaillard, Ed. Tree hollow, Central Park. 2008. Photograph. flickr, New York
City. Web. 18 Apr 2013.
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/ed_gaillard/6304312141/>.
Lannert, Kenny. Guam Micronesian Kingfisher (male). 2008. Photograph.
flickr, Chicago. Web. 18 Apr 2013.
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/stirwise/2468337023/>.
Wynn, Alan. Brown Tree Snake - Boiga irregularis. 2008. Photograph.
flickrWeb. 18 Apr 2013.