Sacred Kingfisher

Kōtare is a stout blue-green kingfisher common beside New Zealand coasts and waterways. A turquoise-blue back and crown contrast with buff-white underparts, a dark eye stripe and a long black bill; no other established small bird has this shape and colour combination.

It is widespread across both main islands and many offshore islands from tidal flats to inland farms. Kōtare pounce from posts or branches on crabs, fish, insects, lizards and mice and excavate nest tunnels in banks or rotten wood.

Sacred kingfisher is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). Vehicles, window strikes and loss of nest banks cause local mortality. Harbour margins, estuaries and roadside wires near water throughout New Zealand are reliable.