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IUCN status: Least ConcernCerulean Kingfisher at a glance
The Cerulean Kingfisher (Alcedo coerulescens) is a bird in the family Alcedinidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in southern Sumatra, Java, Bali, the Kangean Islands and the Lesser Sundas from Lombok to Flores. Diet: predator of small fish and other small aquatic animals; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Alcedo coerulescens |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Raja-udang biru |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali |
| Taxonomic group | Coraciiformes |
| GBIF records | 4,597 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of small fish and other small aquatic animals · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — southern Sumatra, Java, Bali, the Kangean Islands and the Lesser Sundas from Lombok to Flores · BirdLife DataZone |
In this guide (12)
What is the Cerulean Kingfisher?
Cerulean Kingfisher refers to Alcedo coerulescens, in the genus Alcedo, family Alcedinidae, and order Coraciiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Cerulean Kingfisher?
This Indonesian kingfisher is metallic blue and white; size and pattern matter because other kingfishers also appear blue.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Cerulean Kingfisher?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,597 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Cerulean Kingfisher?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Cerulean Kingfisher with Sacred Kingfisher, Dollarbird, Rainbow Bee-eater. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Cerulean Kingfisher
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | Alcedo coerulescens |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Cerulean Kingfisher
What is the scientific name of the Cerulean Kingfisher?
The scientific name of the Cerulean Kingfisher is Alcedo coerulescens, in the family Alcedinidae and the order Coraciiformes. In Indonesian it is called Raja-udang biru.
What kind of animal is the Cerulean Kingfisher?
The Cerulean Kingfisher is a bird in the family Alcedinidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of small fish and other small aquatic animals. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Cerulean Kingfisher live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Cerulean Kingfisher summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. That list is not a complete range map.
The Cerulean Kingfisher is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in southern Sumatra, Java, Bali, the Kangean Islands and the Lesser Sundas from Lombok to Flores. Source: BirdLife DataZone.
What does the Cerulean Kingfisher eat?
The Cerulean Kingfisher is a predator of small fish and other small aquatic animals. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Cerulean Kingfisher reproduce?
The Cerulean Kingfisher reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Cerulean Kingfisher nocturnal?
The cited source records the Cerulean Kingfisher as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Cerulean Kingfisher?
Scientific classification of the Cerulean Kingfisher: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Coraciiformes, family Alcedinidae, genus Alcedo, species Alcedo coerulescens.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Cerulean Kingfisher endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Cerulean Kingfisher is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Cerulean Kingfisher is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- BirdLife DataZone ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
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PanduanHewan. Cerulean Kingfisher (Alcedo coerulescens). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/alcedo-coerulescens/