Step into the world of our sacred kingfishers and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures
These predators perch above water and dart down to catch prey, either snatching it from the surface or diving in after it and using their wings to swim up again. Prey is also taken from land.
Larger prey is battered against the bird's perch before being swallowed whole. Indigestible parts are regurgitated later as pellets.
Quick facts
Distribution:
Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Timor-Leste
Habitat:
Wetlands, mangroves, urban areas on river/lake edges
Conservation Status:
Least Concern