Sacred kingfisher/Kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus)
Last Modified: 9-7-2019 14:50
© Christopher Cookson License this image
The sacred kingfisher or Kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus ssp. vagans) is a distinctive New Zealand native bird found throughout the country wherever they can find suitable prey. Kingfishers are versatile hunters preying on a variety of animals for food including fish, amphibians, crabs, small reptiles, insects, worms, and even other smaller birds. The birds with their distinctive blue backs like to perch anywhere that can provide them with a good vantage point to wait for prey which they will then swoop down and catch in a sudden movement.
This example was observed near the Taylor Dam.
Image Date: 7/7/2019
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.573315 Longitude: 173.929886