Azure Kingfisher

Description:

Male and female similar, brilliant blue back, wings, tail and head, pale to bright russet orange belly, small dot of same colour in front of eye in some, also patch on nape of neck in some, short tail, long dagger'like beak used for expertly catching small fish from waterways. Perches for long periods of time observing surroundings and prey intently before darting to and from trees and the water, call is a combination of shrill whistle and cackle. Grows to just under 20cm.

Habitat:

Found throughout eastern Australia from south to far north-west usually near waterways.

Notes:

More photos to come.