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Story: Native plants and animals – overview

Kingfisher at a nest hole

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Kingfisher at a nest hole

A New Zealand kingfisher (Halcyon sancta) sits at its nest hole in a clay bank. This is the only native kingfisher species found in New Zealand. Another kingfisher, the Australian kookaburra, was introduced and lives around Auckland. Known to Māori as kōtare, the New Zealand kingfisher is often seen in coastal areas. It is also found in Australia and New Caledonia, and on Norfolk and Lord Howe islands.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10033123

by M. F. Soper

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How to cite this page

Bob Brockie, Native plants and animals – overview – Alpine, wetland and coastal animals, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10607/kingfisher-at-a-nest-hole (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Bob Brockie, published 1 March 2009.