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Forest Kingfisher

(Todiramphus macleayii)
Alternative names: "Macleay's Kingfisher", "Bush Kingfisher", "Blue Kingfisher"
Size: 17-23 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Forest Kingfishers populate the far north and along the east coast of the Australian continent. In the top end of the NT race "macleayii" is found, whereas the range of race "incinctus" comprises all of Cape York peninsula, the eastern half of QLD and the north-eastern corner of NSW. They are only rarely found south of the Hunter valley. Forest Kingfishers are not found anywhere else on the continent and not in Tasmania either.

Forest Kingfishers are found only in near-coastal woodland, swamps or mangroves.

Sightings

Forest Kingfishers of race "incinctus" have been spotted by us in the wetlands of Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, in July 2009. Special access to the wetlands kindly granted by the owners of Capricorn Resort is most gratefully acknowledged.

Race "macleayii" was spotted by us in the Northern Territory in 1997.

Photos

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Race "incinctus"

Lateral view of an adult male Forest Kingfisher "incinctus" (photo obtained in the wetlands of Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, in July 2009; see credits page for details)

The white neckband characterises the bird as an adult male (photo obtained in the wetlands of Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, in July 2009; see credits page for details)

Race "macleayii"

Forest Kingfisher "macleayii" seen in the Northern Territory in 1997

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Territorial Mobility: Migratory Elementary unit: Solitary/pair

Food

Like other kingfishers, Forest Kingfishers prey on small fish and yabbies, which they catch diving into water.