Todiramphus sanctus
Sacred kingfisher
©Anne Hoggett: Sacred Kingfisher at Casuarina Beach, Lizard Island, 1 April 2012
©Charlie Shuetrim: At Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Coraciiformes
Family
Alcedinidae
Genus
Todiramphus
Species
Todiramphus sanctus
Status
least concern
Colours
Distinguishing features
This is the most commonly-seen kingfisher at Lizard Island. It arrives in about April and disappears by late winter. Head and back green; a black band through the eye and extending around back of head; a white collar; buff to whitish underparts; a buff patch in front of eye; makes a loud, 4-note call.
Size
- Size data has not been obtained.
Wingspan
- Wingspan data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Local abundance
- Lizard Island: Seen frequently during autumn and winter
Behaviour
The Sacred Kingfisher usually arrives at Lizard Island in February or March and leaves in September.
Web resources
References
- Simpson, K., N. Day and P. Trusler (1996). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia: Fifth Edition Penguin Books, Australia.
- Smith, G.C. (1987). The birds of Eagle Island, a tropical sand cay on the northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia, The Sunbird, 17(1): 1-11. LIRS catalog number 245.