The return of the resident Sacred Kingfishers (Todiramphus sanctus) to the grounds of Government House has signalled the beginning of summer, with their sharp and insistent “kek-kek-kek” once again ringing out across the gardens.
Recognised by their turquoise-blue back and wings, creamy-buff underparts and broad dark bill, Sacred Kingfishers are often heard well before they are seen.
The birds are typically found perched on an exposed branch, watching the ground below for insects, lizards and other small prey.
The spring and early-summer calling of the kingfishers usually reflects the start of the breeding season. Adults become much more vocal once a breeding territory has been established, with calls used to advertise that the territory is held.
Paired birds also call to one another, sometimes repeatedly from prominent branches, and calling often increases as birds pair up and prepare to nest. Around a chosen nest tree, the kingfishers can be surprisingly vocal and aggressive in defence of the site.
Sacred Kingfishers commonly nest in tree hollows and arboreal termite mounds, including old hollows previously used or excavated by other species. Mature eucalypts with hollows, especially within roughly 50 to 150 metres of where a bird repeatedly calls, are among the most likely nest sites. Birds repeatedly returning to the same branch or group of trees, or a pair calling back and forth, may also indicate that a nest is nearby, underscoring the value of the mature trees across the grounds of Government House.
Listening for the kingfishers
| What you hear | Likely function | What to watch for |
| Repeated “kek-kek-kek” | Territorial/contact calling | Often from an exposed perch and repeated from the same area |
| Rapid, emphatic “kek-kek-kek-kek” | Territorial assertion, excitement or aggression | Another kingfisher nearby, chasing, upright posture or repeated flights between perches |
Government House Horticultural Coordinator, Richard Symmonds, said that “hearing the call of the Sacred Kingfishers at Fernberg is a great indication of the changing season and reminds me of the important role that the estate plays in providing habitat for local wildlife.”
Visitors to Government House are encouraged to listen for the kingfishers throughout the summer months and to observe the birds from a respectful distance, particularly around nest trees during the breeding season.
Click the link below to hear the call of the Sacred Kingfisher.
Cover image © @pen_ash – pixabay.com
