New Zealand Kingfisher

Scientific name: Halcyon sancta or Todiramphus sanctus
Maori name: Kotare

A native to New Zealand, common and protected. The New Zealand Kingfisher is widespread in many habitats. On the coast they can be seen on sheltered beaches, in estuaries, mangrove swamps and mudflats. Inland, they are found on shores of smaller lakes, rivers and streams.

With their strong, stout bills, they take a varied diet of live prey that includes, lizards, insects, crabs and mice. Kingfishers swoop silently on prey and this combined with dazzling speed is most impressive when they dive for fish.

Slowly getting better with my kingfisher shots, a bit closer today, manual, but a little disappointed with the distracting background. I guess being down by the river with him perched in a tree I couldn't do much better, he's happy sitting there, this is my best shot to date.

Another shot showing his colourful feathers can be found here.

It's been a pleasant autumn day, a foggy start followed by blue sky, a few white clouds and lots of sun.

Hope you all having a great week :)