The New Zealand Kingfisher, also known as the Sacred Kingfisher, is the only species of kingfisher native to New Zealand.  The Kookaburra, another of the 86 species of kingfishers worldwide, is the only other bird of the kingfisher family found in New Zealand, although rather scarce.  

The kingfisher is a brightly coloured bird, deep green-blue on the head and upperparts.  Pale yellowish buff underparts and a creamy white collar around the  neck. Long, dark, broad bill and black eye with a yellowish buff eyebrow that starts at the bill and finishes above and beyond the eye.

The dagger-like bill is used in the breeding season to excavate a tunnel in an earth bank by repeatedly flying at the bank at full speed, neck outstretched and uttering a peculiar whirring call.  Once the tunnel has started and the hole is big enough to perch in, the kingfisher then continues to excavate the tunnel by pecking and scooping out the loosen earth.  The tunnel is sloped slightly upwards and ends with a chamber for the nest. 

Despite their name, kingfishers do not necessarily eat fish.  They tend to populate coastal areas but some are entirely terrestrial.  Those around the coastal waters eat small crabs and fish, in fresh water they'll eat tadpoles, freshwater crayfish and other small fish.  In the open country they eat earthworms, cicadas, weta, stick insects, dragonflies, chafer beetles, other beetles, spiders, lizards, mice and small birds (especially silvereyes).  The Tiritiri Matangi kingfishers have been observed feeding on skinks.

Photography by: Dr Kerry Rodgers ©

References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking.