Bruny Island Birdlife - Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher
Bruny Island is home to abundant birdlife, including all 12 species endemic to Tasmania. Some are critically endangered, such as the Forty-spotted Pardalote, the Swift Parrot, and the Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle. All 12 endemic species are protected under Tasmania's Nature Conservation Act 2002.
Bruny Island is a popular place for bird watching, and has been named in the top 10 bird watching sites in Australia by Australian Birdlife magazine.
Watch out for the next Bruny Island Bird Festival, (date TBA).
Photos from award winning photographer Rod Hartvigsen
Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher
Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher
The Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus subsp. diemenensis) is a small brightly coloured bird found only in Tasmania.
Habitat
The Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher is found in shady and overhanging forest vegetation along the forested margins of major rivers on the south, west, north and northwest coasts, with other occurrences in the northeast, east, centre and Bass Strait islands. This photo is believed to be one of the first taken of the Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher on Bruny Island.
Behaviour
The Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher catches prey by plunging from perches overhanging the water. It feeds on small fish, freshwater crayfish, aquatic insects, and occasionally frogs. The number of birds is thought to be fewer than 250 mature individuals. The main threat to the Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher is clearing and modification of river-side vegetation.
Conservation
The Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher is endangered.