Ceyx malaitae (Mayr, 1935)

Callaghan, Corey T., Kekeubata, Esau, Waneagea, Jackson, Alabai, Maasafi, Esau, Tommy, MacLaren, David & Major, Richard E., 2019, A collaborative bird survey of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands, Check List 15 (6), pp. 1119-1136 : 1130

Ceyx malaitae (Mayr, 1935) . Malaita Dwarf-Kingfisher

This is an endemic species to Malaita. This species was frequently caught in mist-nets, but has low detection probability during the day, as we were unable to detect any within the same forests in which they were caught in the mist-nets. However, we did observe one individual roosting ~ 8 m above the ground, and another was observed roosting ~ 15 m above the ground, both in trees. Identification: Table 1.; Fig. 4A. Voucher registration number(s): O.78243 (skin); O.78251 (skin); O.78252 (skin); O.78280 (blood)..

Todiramphus sacer (J.F. Gmelin, 1788) . Pacific Kingfisher

Common at all elevations and in many different habi- tats. Likely belonging to the subspecies mala. Identifica- tion: Todiramphus identification is difficult in the Pacific islands and likely remains a mystery throughout the Solomons and especially on Malaita, as Andersen et al. (2015) did not sample from Malaita when the recent split between tristrami and sacer was proposed. Based on Andersen et al. (2015), we presumed sacer / tristrami type birds were sacer and identification was not made with an effort to separate between these two species, but further genetic work could likely help to differentiate the sta- tus of Todiramphus on Malaita. We separated sacer from sanctus based on the overall pale coloration underneath, with little brown wash, as well as white ‘headlights’ above the bill compared to the more general brown in sanctus. The white extended along the back of the head with a black line separating white lines in some individuals. We note that we may have observed one sanctus but could not confirm this identification. Table 1.

Todiramphus saurophagus (Gould, 1843) . Beach Kingfisher

Common along the coast, frequently observed along cliffs. Identification: Table 1.