Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

Overview

Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa) is a species of Kingfishers (Alcedinidae) in the order Kingfishers and Allies.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Ceyx; binomial: Ceyx rufidorsa; authority: Strickland, 1847.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Oriental Region.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa is split from Ceyx erithaca. Recent genomic studies convincingly show that Ceyx rufidorsa is not a morph of Ceyx erithaca but rather is a genetically distinct taxon. Further, the polymorphism shown within Ceyx rufidorsa is likely due to an ancient introgression of genes rather than more recent, ongoing hybridization which is limited to a narrow zone where these two species meet in n peninsular Malaysia (Lim et al. 2010; Shakya et al. 2023).