Azure Kingfisher

Description:

It is a very colourful bird, with deep blue to azure back, a large white to buff spot on side of neck and throat, rufous-buff with some blue-violet streaks on breast and flanks. The feet are red with only two forward toes. The lores (the region between the eye and the bill) are white and inconspicuous except in front view, where they stand out as two large white eye-like spots which may have a role in warding off potential predators.

Habitat:

The Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea is a small kingfisher (17-19 cm), in the river kingfisher family, Alcedinidae. It is found in Northern and Eastern Australia and Tasmania, as well as the lowlands of New Guinea and neighbouring islands, and out to North Maluku and Romang. Habitat includes the banks of vegetated creeks, lakes, swamps, tidal estuaries and mangroves. Often difficult to see until it quickly darts from a perch above water. Feeds on freshwater yabbies and small fish. Nest in a chamber up to 1 metre long in an earthen creek bank. 5-7 white, rounded, glossy eggs. Voice is a high-pitched, shrill, 'pseet-pseet'.