BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE-KINGFISHER
Photo: C & D Frith
Wet Tropics Rainforest Life
BUFF-BREASTED PARADISE-KINGFISHER
Tanysiptera sylvia 34 cm
·
The Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher breeds only
in rainforests of north Queensland.
·
It is a summer migrant, arriving in November and
departing in March or April. It
winters in southern New Guinea.
·
Buff-breasted
Paradise Kingfishers nest in ground-level termite mounds, creating a tunnel
often less than half a metre from the ground. Following this invasion, the
termites seal off the chamber. Given the noise made by the chicks and the smell
from dropped food, it is astonishing that broods are successful in the
vulnerable positions. Many other kingfisher species choose termite mounds higher
up, in trees. Tunnels are made by the adults flying head on at the mound,
occasionally dying from impact. (Source: Department of Environment)
· Adults are spectacular
birds, with a thick red bill
and two long white central tail feathers. These feathers contrast with the
brilliant blue and black upperparts; underparts are yellowish.
· Food includes insects,
lizards and frogs.
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