Torresian Kingfisher
Todiramphus sordidus(2 photos)
Torresian Kingfisher
24-29 cm. Larger, darker bronze-green and whiter than Sacred Kingfisher. Bill longer, heavier; crown darker, merging with broad black mask; small white forehead spot; large white rear collar. Male, breeding: peacock-blue wings/tail. Female: more uniformly green, white below. Juvenile: duller, with dark scallops. Note habitat: hunts crabs, large insects, small reptiles.
- Other name
- Mangrove Kingfisher.
- Similar Species
- Sacred, Forest Kingfishers.
- Voice
- slower, louder than Sacred: two deliberate 'kek' notes, first slightly higher than second, often preceded by short, preliminary note; also loud, clear 'pukee pukee pukee'; peevish, rising 'keer keer'.
- Habitat
- in Aust., mangroves, tidal creeks, nearby beaches, mudflats, jetties, poles, street trees, gardens.
- Breeding
- Sept.-March.
- Eggs
- 3-4; rounded, whitish; in hollow of mangrove; cavity in tree termite nest, 10+ m high.
- Range & Status
- coastal n. Aust., from ne. NSW (lower Clarence R.) to Shark Bay (WA). Common. Sedentary; s. birds nomadic or migratory. Also Polynesia to Red Sea.
- Distribution key to races
- 1. Todiramphus sordidus colcloughi 2. Todiramphus sordidus sordidus 3. Todiramphus sordidus pilbara
