Azure Kingfisher

Ceyx azureus (17 to 19cm)

As it's name suggests, the small jewel-like Azure Kingfisher is named for it's iridescent plumage. It can occasionally be spotted along tree-lined margins of rivers, streams and lakeside, especially with high earth banks.

Often it perches on a branch over water and darts out to dive for small fish and aquatic invertebrates. You may be lucky enough to see one taking a bath in your dam if you have one.

It's nest is a tunnel excavated in the bank by the water’s edge where it breeds in spring-summer.