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Species
Alcedo azurea Latham, 1802
Nomenclature
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Family: AlcedinidaeGenus: Alcedo
Species:
Alcedo azurea Latham, 1802
Usage:
valid
Vernacular names:
Vernacular name:
Azure Kingfisher, Blue/Creek/Purple/Rive
SUMMARY
The Azure Kingfisher is a small kingfisher with a long slender black bill and a short tail. The head, neck, upper parts and breast sides are deep azure blue with a violet (purplish) sheen. The neck has a distinctive orange stripe on each side and there is a small orange spot before each eye. The throat is pale orange-white, grading to orange-reddish on belly and undertail. The flanks and sides of the breast are washed purple to violet. The legs and feet are red. The sexes are similar. Young birds have a darker cap and are generally duller.