Sacred Kingfisher

SPECIES Sacred Kingfisher
TAXONOMY Todiramphus sanctus
STATUS Least Concern (Redlist.org)

Interwoven within ancient cultures and folklore, Sacred Kingfishers appear in many cultural heritage records including Greek Mythology, Native American, Australian Aboriginal, and Polynesian; and are also mentioned in the Bible. They represent peace, prosperity, fertile harvest, and good fortune.

As the story is told in Greek Mythology: a Thessalian princess named Alcyone and the son of Lucifer named Ceyx were married and sometimes they called themselves Hera and Zeus. This angered Zeus and he killed Ceyx while out at sea. Alcyone learned of his fate in a dream and was overcome and drowned. The gods took pity and turned them both into kingfishers. In Ancient Greece, kingfishers were known as Halcyons; and hence any day that is calm and peaceful are known as a Halcyon day.

In some Native American cultures the kingfisher is associated with luck, patience, and fertility. The Wurundjeri community in Australia associate the kingfisher as the vessel that carries away the spirits of the dead. Polynesians called it ‘sacred’ as it was said to be a holy bird having control over the waves. Kingfishers have been used as a symbol of Christ in the poem “As Kingfishers Catch Fire.”

Distribution and Habitat
There are 86 known species of Kingfisher throughout the world. Ten of those are native to Australia, including the Kookaburra which is considered to be the largest of the species.  The Sacred Kingfisher can be found along rivers and mangroves throughout the coastal regions of Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands. 

Feeding
As a carnivore, their primary diet includes crustaceans, reptiles, and insects. They also prey on birds and mammals. Although many kingfishers prey on fish, the Sacred Kingfisher is less known as a fish eater. They adopt the perch and pounce method of hunting whereby they will patiently wait on a low exposed perch and then swoop down to catch the prey.

Behaviour
Sacred Kingfishers are both migratory and solitary. They will form pairs during the breeding season.

Appearance
As a medium sized kingfisher, their body is up to 24 centimetres long. They are distinctive with the back, rump, and tail having variable tones of turquoise. The underbody is buff with a broad cream coloured collar. They have a black band from the eye to the nape. Females are generally lighter in colour. Juveniles show varying amounts of a rust brown edging to their feathers.

Reproduction
Once the pair has mated, both the male and female will excavate a nest in a river bank, hollow branch, or a termite mound. The nest will be bare of additional material. A clutch consists of between 3 to 6 eggs and hatch within 18 days. Both parents will incubate the eggs, feed the nestlings, and continue these roles for a further 10 days after fledging. The pair will produce two clutches during the season.

Threats
In the past, their distinctive colouring put them in danger of being hunted for their feathers. Today, their presence near waterways is a positive indication of a healthy ecosystem. 

Updated 5 May 2021