Azure Kingfisher

Azur Fischer ( Alcedo azurea )

The Azur Fischer ( Alcedo azurea ) is an Australian Eisvogelart.

Features

At 18 cm long and 35 g heavy Azur fishing the top is colored azure and red-orange at the bottom. He has white spots behind the ears and at the throat, and orange before the eyes. The long thin beak is black with a bright top.

The feet are red.

Occurrence

The distribution area of the Azure fisherman comprises the northern, eastern and south-eastern Australia, Tasmania, the Moluccas, the small Sunda Islands, and New Guinea. The bird lives in rivers, billabongs, lakes and swamps with a shady overhanging vegetation.

Behavior

From a seated point of view or from the Rüttelflug Azur fishermen dipped into the water to catch fish and crabs. The prey is killed by being struck against a branch, and then swallowed head first. Aquatic insects caught in flight. Sometimes frogs complement the food.

Reproduction

The Azur Fischer lives monogamous and defends its breeding territory. The 80 -120 cm long breeding cave is dug into a sand bank. For low-lying nests may be destroyed by flood. Both parents incubate the birds four to seven eggs for 21 days and then feed the chicks. The nestling period lasts 28 days.