Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Sacred kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) and Azure kingfisher (Alcedo azurea), 1790s

Sacred kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) and Azure kingfisher (Alcedo azurea), 1790s

TAL & Dai-ichi Life Derby Collection, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW; Purchased from The Rt Hon. The 19th Earl of Derby, 2011; PXD 1098, vol. 4, f. 53

Watercolour

Sacred kingfishers are distributed around Australian coastal regions inhabiting woodland, mangroves and forest areas.
Sacred kingfishers spend winter in the north of Australia, returning south in spring to breed.
Sacred kingfishers swoop down on prey including reptiles, and insects and return to their perch to eat.
Sacred kingfisher nests can be up to 20 metres above ground. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for their young.
Sacred kingfishers make a loud ‘ek ek ek ek’ call.
For most of the year, Sacred kingfishers are mainly solitary, pairing only for the breeding season.