🌴 Island Royalty: The Guam Kingfisher (Sihek)

By Matt Harvey – One Toad Photography

Some birds are rare. Others are radiant. But the Guam Kingfisher, locally known as the Sihek, is both—a living treasure of the Pacific. With its vibrant plumage, piercing gaze, and deep cultural significance, this bird is a symbol of resilience and beauty. I recently captured a striking image of a Sihek perched confidently, its brilliant colors glowing against a soft, natural backdrop. It’s a portrait of a species fighting for survival—and winning hearts along the way.

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🌟 Fun Facts About the Guam Kingfisher

• 🟦 Colorful Majesty: Males sport rich chestnut bellies and electric blue wings, while females have paler underparts.

• 🏝️ Endemic Wonder: The Sihek is found only on Guam, making it one of the island’s most iconic species.

• 🐍 Survivor Story: The species was driven to extinction in the wild due to the invasive brown tree snake and now survives through captive breeding programs.

• 🐣 Comeback Kid: Conservationists are working to reintroduce the Sihek to protected habitats, making it a symbol of hope.

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💘 Dating & Mating

Guam Kingfishers are monogamous and fiercely territorial. During courtship, males offer food to females and perform vocal and visual displays. Once bonded, the pair nests in tree cavities, where the female lays 2–3 eggs. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties, showing strong family bonds.

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🗺️ Migration & Range

The Sihek is non-migratory and historically inhabited forested areas across Guam. Today, it exists only in captivity, with reintroduction efforts underway in predator-free zones like Palmyra Atoll. Its story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of island ecosystems.

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🐛 Diet & Feeding Habits

Guam Kingfishers are carnivorous, feeding on insects, lizards, and small invertebrates. They hunt by perching silently and then darting down to snatch prey with precision. Their strong beaks and sharp reflexes make them formidable hunters despite their small size.

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📷 Featured Image: “Island Jewel”

This image captures the Sihek perched with quiet intensity, its vivid blue wings and warm chestnut tones glowing against a soft, blurred background. The bird’s posture is alert yet composed—a perfect representation of its wild spirit and enduring legacy. It’s more than a photo; it’s a tribute to a species worth saving.