The Shovel-billed Kookaburra (Clytoceyx rex), also known as the Shovel-billed Kingfisher, is a large, approximately 33 cm (13 in) long, dark brown tree kingfisher with a heavy, short and broad bill that is unique among the kingfishers. It has a dark head with rufous stripe behind eye, a white throat, rufous neck collar and underparts, bright blue rump, brown iris, brownish-black bill with paler mandible (entire bill often appears brownish due to earth) and pale feet. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but are easily recognized from the color of the tail. The male has a dark bluish tail while female's is rufous. The juvenile has an female-like plumage with scale-patterned feathers.

The sole representative of the genus Clytoceyx, the Shovel-billed Kookaburra is endemic to New Guinea. It primarily occurs in hill forests, but has been recorded from sea-level up to an altitude of 2400 m (7850 ft). It finds its food in mud or on moist ground. The diet consists mainly of earthworms, snails, beetles, lizards and insects. It is inconspicious and infrequently seen. Likely partially nocturnal.

Widespread but uncommon throughout a large part of New Guinea, the Shovel-billed Kookabura is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

References

• Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

External links

• BirdLife Species Factsheet
• IUCN Red List
• Photos and brief description of first known nest. Accessed 2008-07-10.