The Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus) The Azure Kingfisher is a captivating bird with its brilliant blue plumage and rufous-buff underpart. This small bird, measuring about 17–19 cm in length, often darts along the edges of creeks and lakes, seeking out its next meal. With its eye-catching colors and swift movements, it catches the attention of anyone lucky enough to spot it. The bird is found mainly in northern and eastern Australia, as well as parts of New Guinea. This kingfisher prefers areas with dense vegetation near water, where it hunts for fish and other small creatures.
Description
Size
The azure kingfisher measures 17–19 cm (6.7–7.5 in) in length. Males weigh between 29–32 g (1.0–1.1 oz), while females are slightly heavier at 31–35 g (1.1–1.2 oz).
Plumage
This bird features a deep blue to azure back, complemented by white or buff spots on the neck. The underparts display a rufous-buff colour, with blue-violet streaks adorning the breast and flanks.
Unique Features
The azure kingfisher possesses two forward-facing red toes, which aid in perching. Its white lores resemble eyes and may help deter potential predators, creating an illusion that could prevent attacks.
Habitat
Geographic Range
The azure kingfisher resides in northern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania, New Guinea, and nearby islands. This bird prefers areas with plenty of water and vegetation.
Preferred Ecosystems
Azure kingfishers thrive along vegetated creek banks, lakes, swamps, mangroves, and tidal estuaries. These habitats provide excellent hunting grounds for their primary food sources, such as fish and crustaceans.
Migration
Most azure kingfishers remain in the same area year-round. They show minor seasonal movements in response to food availability or environmental changes, ensuring they stay close to their preferred habitats.
Diet
Diet Composition
The azure kingfisher enjoys a varied diet that includes small fish, crustaceans such as shrimps and yabbies, water beetles, spiders, locusts, and small frogs or tadpoles. This assortment provides the bird with necessary nutrients for survival.
Foraging Behaviour
This kingfisher often darts from a perch to catch its prey above the water. With sharp vision, it spots potential meals from a distance. Once it identifies a target, it swoops down quickly, seizing fish or crustaceans with precision. The bird may repeat this process multiple times throughout the day, relying on its agility and precision to flourish in its aquatic habitat.
Behaviour
Nesting
The azure kingfisher builds nests in burrows along creek banks. These burrows can be up to one metre long, providing a secure place for the birds to lay their eggs. The female typically lays 4 to 6 glossy white eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch.
Breeding Season
In northern regions, the breeding season lasts from September to April. In southern regions, it occurs from August to February. During this time, the birds are particularly active as they prepare their nests and care for their young.
Vocalisations
The azure kingfisher is usually quiet, preferring to stay silent while hunting or resting. When breeding, it emits a sharp “pseet-pseet” call, often heard during flight. This vocalisation helps communicate with potential mates and establish territory.
Conservation Status
Current Status
The IUCN classifies the azure kingfisher as Least Concern. This species has a wide distribution across its large range, but no overall population estimate is available. Despite its classification, numbers are declining.
Threats
Stock trampling near waterholes affects vegetation, harming the habitats of the azure kingfisher. Human activities can create artificial waterways that flood and drown nests. Murky water impacts their hunting ability, while the introduction of European carp competes for food resources, further threatening their survival. Floods and predation by brown snakes also pose risks, particularly to young birds.
Similar Species
Compared to the Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii), the Azure Kingfisher shares similar colors. The forest kingfisher has a green-blue back and lacks the rufous belly of its azure counterpart.
In contrast, the Little Kingfisher (Ceyx pusillus) is smaller with a paler belly. This species prefers different habitats, often found in areas with more dense vegetation near water. Recognising these differences helps birdwatchers identify each species in their natural settings.
Fun Facts
- The Azure Kingfisher’s name comes from a Greek myth. A seabird named Ceyx was transformed into a kingfisher after being drowned at sea. His wife, Alcyone, found him washed ashore, and both were turned into kingfishers as a symbol of their eternal love.
- Different regions bring slight changes in appearance for these birds. Some subspecies are smaller, brighter, or have distinct bill colours, like a red tip.
- Azure kingfishers work together to dig a tunnel for their nest. Using their feet, they carve out a tunnel up to 1 metre long, then create a chamber at the end to lay their eggs.
- When diving into the water, transparent membranes cover their eyes, acting as built-in goggles.
- These birds dive so fast they can cut through ice to catch prey.
- Although they appear blue, the kingfisher’s feathers are actually brown. The bright colour comes from how light reflects off their feathers, creating an iridescent effect.
- Their nests are often filled with droppings and fish bones, leaving behind a rather smelly environment.
