About Ceyx azureus (Latham, 1801)
The azure kingfisher (Ceyx azureus) measures 17–19 cm (6.7–7.5 in) in total length. Males weigh 29–32 g (1.0–1.1 oz), while females are slightly heavier, ranging from 31–35 g (1.1–1.2 oz). It is a highly colourful bird, with a deep blue to azure back, a large white to buff spot on the side of the neck and throat, and rufous-buff plumage marked with blue-violet streaks on the breast and flanks. Its feet are red, and only have two forward toes. The lores, the area between the eye and the bill, are white and inconspicuous except when viewed from the front, where they appear as two large white eye-like spots that may function to ward off potential predators. The azure kingfisher is distributed across northern and eastern Australia, Tasmania, the lowlands of New Guinea and its neighbouring islands, and extends out to North Maluku and Romang. The contact zone between the two mainland Australian subspecies lies along the east coast of Far North Queensland, between Cairns and Princess Charlotte Bay. For the New Guinean subspecies, the contact zone occurs between Simbu Province and the northern Huon Peninsula, and also south of Cenderawasih Bay. Its preferred habitat includes the banks of vegetated creeks, lakes, swamps, tidal estuaries, and mangroves. It is common in the northern part of its range, and tends to be uncommon in the southern part. It is generally a sedentary species, though some seasonal migration may occur.
