What is a sacred kingfisher?
Q: What is a sacred kingfisher?
A: The sacred kingfisher is a medium sized woodland kingfisher.
Q: Where do sacred kingfishers live?
A: They live in mangroves, woodlands, forests, and river valleys in Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the western Pacific.
Q: What is the Māori name for the sacred kingfisher in New Zealand?
A: In New Zealand, the species is also known by its Māori name Kōtare.
Q: What is the appearance of the sacred kingfisher?
A: The sacred kingfisher is mostly turquoise, with white underparts and collar feathers. Both sexes are similar, but females are usually more dull colored. Juveniles have rusty-brown edges on the collar and underparts. The bird is 19–23 cm (7.5–9.1 in) long.
Q: What do sacred kingfishers feed on?
A: Sacred kingfishers feed on insects, small crustaceans, fish, small rodents and reptiles.
Q: How do sacred kingfishers hunt for prey?
A: Usually, a bird will sit on a low branch and wait for prey to pass by. It swoops down to grab the prey and returns to its perch to eat, much like a hawk.
Q: How do sacred kingfishers reproduce?
A: Once a pair of birds has mated, both members of the pair dig the nest. The nest is usually on a burrow in a river bank or a large, empty branch. The female lays about five eggs. Both birds incubate the eggs and take care of the young.
