Sacred kingfisher

The gorgeous sacred kingfisher is a regular visitor to Christmas Island.

This striking bird has a bright turquoise back, rump and tail. Its underside is buff-white, while a black eye stripe goes from its bill to the nape of its neck. The female is slightly duller in colour than the male.

Sacred kingfishers feed on crustaceans, small reptiles, insects and the occasional fish. They keep a lookout for prey from a low branch, swooping down to grab the animal before returning to their perch to eat it.

Sacred kingfishers do not breed on Christmas Island. Instead, they return south in the spring to reproduce.

Where to see them

These stunning kingfishers are spotted at numerous places on the island, including Tai Jin House, the Chinese cemetery and Ethel Beach.