Paradise Kingfisher

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.

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.

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.