Story: Ngā manu – birds

Kōtare

Kōtare

The kōtare (kingfisher) was admired for the way it perched without moving while stalking its prey, then suddenly attacked in a blur. A good sentry was likened to a kōtare.

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Private collection
Photograph by Geoff Moon

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How to cite this page:

Kelly Keane-Tuala, 'Ngā manu – birds - Sayings, metaphors and stories', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12174/kotare (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Kelly Keane-Tuala, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015