ALCEDINIDAE Little Kingfisher

0053 Little Kingfisher - alceda pusilla

0788 Little Kingfisher - alcedo pusilla This midget gem-like kingfisher is Australia's smallest. Usually solitary, unobtrusive and sedentary in remote habitats, it is rarely seen. It is confined to streamside vegetation, and spends much time perched on low branches over the water. It looks down fixedly, occasionally bobbing its head as it waits for its prey - tiny fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects. It dives to seize prey and returns to the perch to eat it there. The Little Kingfisher flies fast. INFORMATION: from Readers Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds. IMAGE BY: Hazel Hogarth TAKEN: June 2013 at Fogg Dam NT