Habitat: freshwater rivers, creeks, billabongs, lakes, lagoons, swamps, dams (usually in shady overhanging vegetation)

 

diet: small fish, crustacean, aquatic insects, amphibians (frogs) and aquatic inverterbrates

The azure kingfisher catches their prey by shallow plunging from overhanging perches. They would often bash their prey’s heads against the perch before swallowing it head first. While finding prey, the generally hover over the area. 

 

threats: reduction in prey species, deterioration of habitat and damage to riparian habitat, river regulation, stock could trample or disturb nests burrowed into the river bank, clearing of snags and trees over hanging waterways

 

size range: 17-19cm

breeding season: september to january

lifespan: 3 yrs

 

The azure kingfisher is currently endangered but not yet monitored.