Each spring the Sacred Kingfisher inhabits the main dam at Booyong and he is stunning! This year we have been blessed with two and they are quite a site. They are never far from water and enjoy the shade and protection of the Dogwood tree, swooping down to the water to catch their prey.

The Sacred Kingfisher, a medium sized Kingfisher with a turquoise back and tile, white under belly and a cream neckline. There is also a black stripe from the bill to neck.

Male and females are similar in colour however the female is a little lighter in colour. They are solitary most of the year pairing only in the breeding season in Spring and normally lay two clutches. Both the male and female build the nest in a burrow in a termite mound or in a hollow branch of a tree, incubating and caring for their young together.

This species of Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) is found on Islands from Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and in Australia is more common through coastal regions. They inhabit woodlands, paperbark forests and tall open eucalypt and mealeleuca forests which are very much the environment we have at Booyong.

It forages mainly on land and feeds on crustaceans, reptiles, insects and fish rarely.

More info can be found at Birdlife Australia

We hope when you visit Booyong you will be able to see them in person – don’t forget your binoculars!