Kingfishers are a group of small to medium sized birds in the family Alcedinidae. There are over 90 different species of kingfisher found worldwide, with about a dozen species native to Australia. Kingfishers are brightly colored birds with large heads, long, pointed beaks, short legs, and stubby tails. They are found near waterways and wetlands across Australia, where they dive to catch fish and other aquatic prey.
Quick answers to key questions
What types of kingfishers are found in Australia?
There are 12 species of kingfisher native to Australia, including:
– Azure kingfisher
– Red-backed kingfisher
– Sacred kingfisher
– Forest kingfisher
– Torresian kingfisher
– Collared kingfisher
– Shovel-billed kingfisher
– Little kingfisher
– Buff-breasted paradise-kingfisher
– Sombre kingfisher
– Paradise kingfisher
– Laughing kookaburra
In what parts of Australia can kingfishers be found?
Kingfishers can be found all across Australia, in every state and territory. They occupy a wide range of habitats including forests, woodlands, mangroves, rainforests, wetlands, estuaries, beaches, farmland, and even urban parks and gardens.
What habitats do kingfishers prefer in Australia?
Most kingfisher species prefer habitats close to water, such as rivers, streams, lakes, swamps, estuaries, and mangroves. Some species also occur in more arid inland areas such as woodlands and semi-arid scrublands. Kingfishers require waterside trees, overhanging branches, reeds and other vegetation which provide perches for hunting.
Why are many kingfisher species declining in Australia?
Habitat loss is the major threat to kingfisher populations in Australia. Clearing of riverside vegetation, drainage of wetlands, construction of dams, water pollution, and introduction of exotic fish have degraded and altered waterways used by kingfishers for feeding and nesting. Climate change and drought are also impacting some species.
Distribution and Habitat
Kingfishers are found across nearly all of mainland Australia, as well as Tasmania. Different species have various habitat preferences:
Azure Kingfisher
The azure kingfisher inhabits slow moving waterways, including streams, estuaries, lakes, billabongs, swamps, and mangroves. It is found across northern and eastern Australia.
Red-backed Kingfisher
Found in coastal and sub-coastal northern and eastern Australia. Occurs in woodlands, forests, mangroves and melaleuca swamps.
Sacred Kingfisher
Lives in open forests and woodlands across northern and eastern Australia. Also found in urban parks and gardens. Migrates to islands north of Australia during winter.
Forest Kingfisher
Inhabits rainforests, eucalypt forests and woodlands in northern and eastern Queensland.
Torresian Kingfisher
Occupies forests and woodlands across northern Australia. Also found in drier open woodlands and arid scrublands.
Kingfishers of Northern Australia
Northern Australia provides habitat for at least 9 species of kingfisher:
Azure Kingfisher
Found along waterways across northern Queensland, Northern Territory and northern Western Australia.
Red-backed Kingfisher
Occurs in coastal regions of northern Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.
Sacred Kingfisher
Widespread in woodlands across northern Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.
Forest Kingfisher
Lives in rainforests of northeast Queensland.
Torresian Kingfisher
Inhabits open forests and woodlands of northern Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.
Shovel-billed Kingfisher
Found in mangrove forests of Northern Territory and northern Queensland.
Little Kingfisher
Occurs along streams and rivers of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.
Buff-breasted Paradise-kingfisher
Rainforests of northeast Queensland.
Laughing Kookaburra
Common in open woodlands across northern Australia.
Kingfishers of Eastern Australia
Eastern Australia is home to at least 10 species of kingfisher:
Azure Kingfisher
Lives along waterways of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Red-backed Kingfisher
Found along eastern coastline from Cape York to southeastern Australia.
Sacred Kingfisher
Occurs in forests and woodlands across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Sombre Kingfisher
Inhabits mangroves and waterways along northeast coast.
Forest Kingfisher
Rainforests of Queensland.
Laughing Kookaburra
Common in open woodlands of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and southeast South Australia.
Blue-winged Kookaburra
Inhabits open forests in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.
Paradise Kingfisher
Rainforests along the northeast coast.
Little Kingfisher
Found along streams of southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.
Azure Kingfisher
Lives along rivers, streams and lakes across eastern Australia.
Kingfishers of Southern Australia
Southern Australia is home to 5 species of kingfisher:
Laughing Kookaburra
Common in woodlands across southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and southwest Western Australia.
Blue-winged Kookaburra
Found in forests of southeast South Australia.
Sacred Kingfisher
Breeds in woodlands across southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
Red-backed Kingfisher
Occurs along the coast of southeast South Australia.
Azure Kingfisher
Inhabits waterways and wetlands across southern Australia.
Kingfishers of Western Australia
Western Australia is home to 6 species of kingfisher:
Laughing Kookaburra
Common in southwest forests and woodlands.
Red-backed Kingfisher
Found along the northern coastline.
Sacred Kingfisher
Occurs in woodlands across the north.
Torresian Kingfisher
Inhabits open woodlands of the north. Also found in arid inland scrublands.
Azure Kingfisher
Lives along waterways and wetlands statewide.
Little Kingfisher
Restricted to streams and rivers of the Kimberley region.
threats to kingfishers In Australia
Many Australian kingfisher populations are declining due to:
– Habitat loss from land clearing, agriculture and development
– Alteration of waterways from river regulation, dams, diversion for irrigation
– Water pollution from agriculture, industry and sewage
– Introduction of exotic fish which outcompete native species
– Climate change affecting rainfall and water availability
– Competition from aggressive species like Noisy Miners
– Collision with vehicles and infrastructure
Conserving Kingfishers
Key conservation actions needed:
– Protect and restore riparian vegetation along waterways
– Maintain natural flow regimes in rivers and wetlands
– Improve water quality by reducing pollution sources
– Control invasive species that threaten native ecosystems
– Retain old trees with nesting hollows
– Increase awareness of kingfishers and their conservation
Conclusion
Australia is home to over 10 species of spectacularly colorful kingfishers. These birds occupy a diversity of waterway, wetland and forest habitats across the country. However, many populations are declining due to threats such as habitat loss, water allocation, invasive species, climate change and other human impacts. Conserving and restoring riverside vegetation, improving water quality, controlling invasive species and protecting important habitat will be key to ensuring the future of Australia’s kingfishers. These delightful birds are an iconic part of Australia’s unique wildlife and efforts must continue to protect them for future generations.
