Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This large, attractive kingfisher is listed as Near Threatened because it is suspected to have declined moderately rapidly over the past three generations.
Population justification
There are no precise data from which to derive a population estimate of this species, although it is described as fairly common (Eaton et al. 2021).
Trend justification
Forest cover loss over the past three generations has been equivalent to 11% in this species' range (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods therein). This species is considered strictly forest dependent, and additional impacts of degradation (Grantham et al. 2020) have likely driven population declines at a rate above this value. Moreover, forest losses have been most acute in Sulawesi's lowest elevation forests, where the highest densities of this species are suspected to occur (Kirwan et al. 2020, Eaton et al. 2021). Accordingly, over the past three generations the population of A. monachus is suspected to have declined by 10-25%, and similar rates of reduction are suspected into the future, with recent projections that forest loss in Sulawesi may actually accelerate (Voigt et al. 2021).
Actenoides monachus is restricted to north and central Sulawesi including the islands of Manadotua and Lembeh, Indonesia (BirdLife International 2001).
This species occurs in dense primary and tall secondary lowland forest at elevations up to 1,100 m (Kirwan et al. 2020).
The primary threat to the species stems from deforestation, largely driven by agricultural expansion, mining, and infrastructure development (Voigt et al. 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
None specifically is known for this species, but it occurs in numerous protected areas.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Conduct repeated surveys of known and potential sites across Sulawesi in order to determine abundance and population trends. Conduct ecological studies to determine levels of tolerance of secondary habitats, particularly in areas where primary forests have been extirpated. Ensure the protection of existing forest reserves.
31 cm. A large, heavy forest kingfisher with a rich-blue head, large bright red bill, white throat, chestnut underparts and green upperparts. The tail is bright green. Females are similar to males, but have chestnut on the ear coverts and an orange supercilium. Similar species. A. capucinus has a black head and duller green tail. Voice. A haunting series of long mournful ascending and descending whistles.
Text account compilers
Chad, E., Gilroy, J., Benstead, P., Martin, R., Symes, A., Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Blue-headed Kingfisher Actenoides monachus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/blue-headed-kingfisher-actenoides-monachus on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.