Coraciiformes Taxon Advisory Group -

Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)
SSP Manager: Not a TAG Recommended Species

General Information

The dollarbird received its name because of the silvery-white and coin-shaped spots evident on the wings during flight.

Description

Dollarbirds measure approximately 30cm from beak to tail and weigh in the range of _ grams. The dollarbird has mostly dark brown upperparts, washed heavily with blue-green on the back and wing covets. The breast is brown, while the belly and undertail coverts are much lighter in coloration. The throat and undertail are glossed with bright blue. The flight feathers of the wings and tail are dark blue. The short, thick-set beak is orange-red and is tipped with black. In flight the silvery-white silver dollar shaped patches on the wings are clearly visible. Both sexes are similar, however when perched adjacent the females can appear slightly duller in coloration. The young are much less vibrant in coloration and have brownish feet and bills instead of red.

Status

Dollarbirds are still common and widespread throughout their range. They are listed as a species of Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

Range

 

Habitat

 

Vocalizations

 

Reproduction

They nest in tree hollows including dead coconut palms or in excavated burrows in earthen mounds. Nest sites may be used year-after-year if they have proven to be successful. They lay 3-4 white eggs which will be incubated for a period of 17-20 days before the altricial chicks hatch. Those chicks will remain in the nest cavity for a period of approximately 28-30 days before fledging. Both parents participate in the care for the young while they're in the nest cavity and after fledging.

Diet

Dollarbirds feed almost exclusively on flying insects. They search for their prey items by perching in an open, conspicuous location and capturing items through aerial pursuit before returning to the same perch. Occasionally dollarbirds have been observed feeding on grasshoppers, lizards, or other small animals from the ground, however this is very uncommon.

Dollarbird Gallery

Dollarbird Bibliography