Azure Kingfisher

Overview

The azure kingfisher (Ceyx azureus) is a small, very colourful bird in the river kingfisher subfamily Alcedininae. It is generally sedentary and listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures 17–19 cm in length, with males weighing 29–32 g and females slightly heavier at 31–35 g.
• Features a deep blue to azure back, a large white to buff spot on the side of the neck and throat, and rufous-buff breast and flanks with blue-violet streaks.
• Has red feet with only two forward toes.
• White lores are inconspicuous except from the front, where they appear as two large white eye-like spots.
• Usually silent, but produces a sharp, squeaky, high-pitched, shrill 'pseet-pseet' call, often in flight.

Habitat

Found in northern and eastern Australia, Tasmania, the lowlands of New Guinea and neighbouring islands, North Maluku, and Romang. It inhabits the banks of vegetated creeks, lakes, swamps, tidal estuaries, and mangroves, where it is common in the north but tending to be uncommon in the south.

Diet

Feeds on small fish, crustaceans such as shrimps, amphipods, and freshwater yabbies, as well as water beetles, spiders, locusts, and small frogs or tadpoles. Foraging is often difficult to observe until the bird quickly darts from a perch above water.

Did you know?

The white lores are inconspicuous except in front view, where they stand out as two large white eye-like spots that may have a role in warding off potential predators.