The speed of a kingfisher or kōtare when diving on moving prey is legendary. This one is returning to its perch after catching food. They call from high lookouts with a distinctive ‘kek-kek-kek’ that carries afar. Close to the nest they make an unusual whirring call. Both kingfishers and fernbirds can be heard in this sound file.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Private collection
by Geoff Moon
Sound file from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision (New Zealand birds /Reference number T7702)
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