This is one of the smallest kingfishers in the world; only the African dwarf kingfisher is smaller.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyKingfishers
SizeSmall
RarityUncommon
HabitatTypically occurs beside rivers, lagoons, waterholes, as well as in mangroves at the coast, where it hunts prey from a perch above the water.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from June to August.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by James Lambert
Range map
Range map
287visible hotspots
6682visible records
3states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Gives a high pitched very thin whistle.
Behavior
Typically occurs beside rivers, lagoons, waterholes, as well as in mangroves at the coast, where it hunts prey from a perch above the water.
Gallery
Regional timing
Northern Territory
Queensland
New South Wales
Commonly confused with
Yellow-billed KingfisherSyma torotoroIn flight, note uniformly colored wings (no wing spots). Adult female has small black cap. Juvenile similar to adult but with black bill.→Azure KingfisherCeyx azureusAlmost always found above water.→Sacred KingfisherTodiramphus sanctusBelly color varies from buffy-orange to white. Upperwing is entirely blue in flight. Listen for loud penetrating “kek-kek-kek-kek”.→