Cerulean Kingfisher

Bali, Indonesia

Named after its striking shade of blue, the cerulean kingfisher is found only in Indonesia. The bird in this picture was photographed in tidal flats close to the sea but they also inhabit freshwater locations.

Feeding

The cerulean kingfisher  feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans and small fish.  They hunt from a low perch overlooking water or mudflats, diving into the water to take prey.

Breeding

Cerulean kingfishers nest in cavities, usually holes dug in river and lakeside  earth banks.  Both males and females excavate the nest hole, incubate the glossy, white eggs and feed the chicks.  Chicks usually stay with their parents for three to four months.

Wildfile Extra

• The cerulean kingfisher is similar to the Eurasian kingfisher in size and shape and they share the irridescent blue colour but the former is white underneath and the latter orange.