Azure kingfisher surveys

The azure kingfisher is often called a “flying jewel” or “jewel of the river” due to its vibrant blue and orange plumage and its habit of darting quickly along waterways. These small, dazzling birds are found in Australia and parts of New Guinea, typically near freshwater habitats. In Tasmania, our subspecies (Ceyx azureus subsp. diemenensis) is listed as endangered under both the TSPA and EPBCA.

Found along the forested margins of waterways, with most occurrences in the south, west, north and northwest coasts, the main threat to the Tasmanian azure kingfisher is clearing and modification of riparian vegetation.

North Barker are highly experienced at kingfisher surveys for the purpose of determining presence/absence of the species, using a combination of methods including visual and aural detections, trail cameras, and bioacoustic recording.​

The species nests in holes drilled in the banks of streams, thus destruction of banks and fluctuating water levels can put the nest tunnels at risk and are a key part of our survey efforts – finding a nest is very rare, and even more so it is rare to get video footage like this of the nest in use!