Sacred Kingfisher
SACRED KINGFISHER
Todiramphus sanctus
Family Alcedinidae
medium sized kingfisher
accidental migrant
Bird # 508 - September 2017
The first country record of this species was photographed in 2016 also in the Gen San area. We tried to look for it when we photographed the Pelican but it was not around anymore. When we saw the photos of second country record by Pete Simpson we were excited but also worried it was on its way out because these birds should be migrating back in August and September. But Robert Hutchinson and Pete saw a bird again on September 12 so we hopped on a plane, hopeful that it would not migrate yet.
From BirdLife Australia: Sacred Kingfishers are common in the coastal regions of Australia. They are also found on islands from Australasia to Indonesia and New Zealand. They forage mainly on land, only occasionally capturing prey in the water. The birds perch on low exposed branch on the lookout for prey. Once prey is located, the Sacred Kingfisher swoops down and grasps it in its bill, returning to the perch to eat it.
According to Wikipedia, it is called sacred because it was said to be aholy bird for Polynesians, who believed it to have control over the waves.
Read MoreTodiramphus sanctus
Family Alcedinidae
medium sized kingfisher
accidental migrant
Bird # 508 - September 2017
The first country record of this species was photographed in 2016 also in the Gen San area. We tried to look for it when we photographed the Pelican but it was not around anymore. When we saw the photos of second country record by Pete Simpson we were excited but also worried it was on its way out because these birds should be migrating back in August and September. But Robert Hutchinson and Pete saw a bird again on September 12 so we hopped on a plane, hopeful that it would not migrate yet.
From BirdLife Australia: Sacred Kingfishers are common in the coastal regions of Australia. They are also found on islands from Australasia to Indonesia and New Zealand. They forage mainly on land, only occasionally capturing prey in the water. The birds perch on low exposed branch on the lookout for prey. Once prey is located, the Sacred Kingfisher swoops down and grasps it in its bill, returning to the perch to eat it.
According to Wikipedia, it is called sacred because it was said to be aholy bird for Polynesians, who believed it to have control over the waves.
