Range & population Alcedo websteri is endemic to New Britain, New Ireland and the nearby islands of Umboi, New Hanover and Lihir in Papua New Guinea. There are few records of this species, all of single birds or a pair, but it was recorded on all five islands in 19974. There is also one sight record from Feni. It appears to occur along most suitable rivers, but many rivers are too fast or too large on these mountainous islands.
Endemic. Vulnerable
Range & population Alcedo websteri is endemic to New Britain, New Ireland and the nearby islands of Umboi, New Hanover and Lihir in Papua New Guinea. There are few records of this species, all of single birds or a pair, but it was recorded on all five islands in 19974. There is also one sight record from Feni. It appears to occur along most suitable rivers, but many rivers are too fast or too large on these mountainous islands.
VOICE: Louder, stronger and less sibilant than A. atthis.
22 cm
Taxonomy:
- Alcyone websteri Hartert, 1898, New Hanover. Sometimes placed in the genus Ceyx. Forms a superspecies with A. quadribrachys and A. azurea, and perhaps also A. meninting. Monotypic. (source: Handbook of the Birds of World)
Distribution:
- Bismarck Archipelago, on New Hanover, New Ireland, Lihir Is, Umboi and New Britain; sight record from Feni.
Range & population Alcedo websteri is endemic to New Britain, New Ireland and the nearby islands of Umboi, New Hanover and Lihir in Papua New Guinea. There are few records of this species, all of single birds or a pair, but it was recorded on all five islands in 19974. There is also one sight record from Feni. It appears to occur along most suitable rivers, but many rivers are too fast or too large on these mountainous islands.
Crustaceans, reptiles, insects and their larvae. Tiny fish. Perch less than 2 m above water, occasionally bobbing head.Makes shalow dives.