Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 19,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Extensive lowland deforestation on all islands in its range due to logging, mining, and conversion to agriculture is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx melanurus) [XC535420]
by id from Cugman, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines (flight call)
Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx melanurus) [XC67919]
by Frank Lambert from Mindanao; Zamboanga Watershed, Japa, Philippines (call)
Subspecies
Forms a superspecies with Oriental Dwarf-Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca). Forms basilanica (Basilan) and platenae (Mindanao) are synonyms of mindanensis; all three described in same year, with precise month of platenae disputed, but mindanensis generally considered to have priority.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
melanurus (Kaup, 1848) - Luzon, Polillo, Alabat and Catanduanes (northern Philippines); possibly this race recorded on Tablas.
samarensis Steere, 1890 - Samar and Leyte (central Philippines).
mindanensis Steere, 1890 - Mindanao and Basilan (southern Philippines). Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, South Philippine Dwarf-Kingfisher (Ceyx mindanensis).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet