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Story: Wetland birds

Kingfisher at nest hole

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Kingfisher at nest hole

Kingfishers tunnel into clay banks or soft wood, hollowing out a nest chamber at the end of the tunnel. They begin by flying into the bank, bill outstretched, repeatedly chiselling until there is a ledge to stand on. The bird’s skull and neck are able to withstand the considerable shock of these impacts.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10033123

by M. F. Soper

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How to cite this page

Christina Troup, Wetland birds – Kingfishers and fernbirds – wetland margins, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/14668/kingfisher-at-nest-hole (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Christina Troup, published 1 March 2009.