BIRD #24 OF 45

Sacred Kingfisher

The Sacred Kingfisher is a striking blue-green bird that spends much of its time perched quietly, watching for insects, lizards and small prey before swooping down to catch them.

Despite its name, it’s just as likely to be found far from water as it is along rivers and coastlines.

  • HABITAT

    Woodland, forest, mangroves, parks & gardens

  • CONSERVATION STATUS

    Least Concern (LC)

  • LOCATION

    All states and territories

  • HOW TO SPOT IT

    💚 Turquoise-blue back and wings with a buff-coloured belly
    ⚫ Bold black eye stripe through a pale face
    🪶 Large head with a long, sturdy black bill
    🌿 Often seen perched quietly on branches or powerlines

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Although they’re called kingfishers, Sacred Kingfishers eat far more than fish. Their diet mainly consists of insects, along with small reptiles, frogs and even the occasional mouse.