Common and widespread kingfisher with a buff spot in front of the eyes that can extend back over the eye as a thin brow.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyKingfishers
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatPerches on power-lines, and occurs in forests, parks, gardens, as well as mangroves and mudflats.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from October to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Étienne Leroy
Range map
Range map
8100visible hotspots
240800visible records
6states
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
Belly color varies from buffy-orange to white. Upperwing is entirely blue in flight. Listen for loud penetrating “kek-kek-kek-kek”.
Behavior
Distinguished from Forest Kingfisher in Australia by lack of the white wing panels. Perches on power-lines, and occurs in forests, parks, gardens, as well as mangroves and mudflats.
Gallery
Regional timing
Western Australia
New South Wales
Queensland
Northern Territory
Victoria
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania