New Zealand Kingfisher

- Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Rollers and Allies
- Blackbird
- Abundant
- Native
24 cm, 65 g. Small deep green-blue and buff bird; green grading to blue on the head and upperparts. Pale yellowish-buff to off-white underparts and collar round back of neck. Immature duller with buff feather edges on upperparts and brownish mottling on chest. Often seen perched on powerlines, or on branches and rocks near water. Call a loud penetrating ''kek-kek-kek-kek''. Habitat: Forest, river margins, farmland, lakes, estuaries and rocky coastlines; movement towards the coast in winter. Breeding: Oct-Feb.