Bird
Sacred Kingfisher
Todiramphus sanctusAlso known as Kōtare, New Zealand Kingfisher
The Sacred Kingfisher is a medium-sized woodland kingfisher with blue-green upperparts, buff-white underparts, a pale collar, and a dark eye stripe. From a low exposed perch it drops onto insects, crabs, lizards, and occasional fish rather than relying only on open water.
Woodland KingfisherPerch HunterSeasonal Migrant
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyLarge insects, Crabs, Lizards
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Tree-climbing snakes
- Feral cats
ThreatsLoss of mature nest trees, mangrove clearing, vehicle strikes, window collisions, pesticides, and predation by introduced mammals
HabitatsMangroves, open forest, woodland, river valleys, wetlands, farmland, parks, and coastal edges
Life spanUsually several years, with some individuals likely approaching a decade
Classification
- FamilyAlcedinidae
- SpeciesTodiramphus sanctus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
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- Moderate
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- Why interaction risk is low
- Observe from outside the feeding corridor and remain far from occupied tree cavities or earthen nest tunnels.
Responsible observation
- Perch: Scan bare branches, wires, and mangrove edges for a still blue-green bird.
- Hunt: Watch for a direct drop to ground or water followed by a return to the perch.
- Nest: Never inspect a cavity or tunnel used by commuting adults.
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