Sacred Kingfisher

This kingfisher of Australia, New Zealand, and the southwest Pacific frequents coastal mangroves, estuaries, and open woodland, often well away from water, where it perches quietly before dropping to take insects, crabs, or small reptiles from the ground. Look for its turquoise-and-buff plumage and listen for its sharp, repeated call given from a prominent perch, especially in the breeding season from spring through summer when pairs excavate nest tunnels in banks, termite mounds, or rotten trees. It is most easily located by call in early morning along woodland edges and tidal flats.