Azure fishermen
| Azure fishermen | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Azure fisherman ( Ceyx azureus ) |
||||||||||||
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Ceyx azureus | ||||||||||||
| ( Latham , 1802) |
The azure fisherman or azure dwarf fisherman ( Ceyx azureus , syn .: Alcedo azurea ) is an Australian kingfisher species . Several subspecies are distinguished in the large range of the species. It is larger than the mangrove dwarf fisherman , which belongs to the same genus. With a body length of 13 to 14 centimeters in some of the subspecies, it is still one of the smallest kingfishers.
The stock situation of the azure fisherman was classified in the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species as “ Least Concern (LC) ” = “not endangered”.
features
In the 18 cm long and 35 g heavy azure fisherman, the top is azure blue and the bottom is red-orange. It has white spots behind the ears and on the throat and orange in front of the eyes. The long thin beak is black with a bright tip.
The feet are colored red.
Distribution area and subspecies
The distribution area of the azure fisherman includes northern, eastern and south-eastern Australia , Tasmania , the Moluccas , the Lesser Sunda Islands and New Guinea . The bird lives on rivers, billabongs , lakes and swamps with shady overhanging vegetation. In large parts of its distribution area it is a resident bird that occupies a territory all year round.
The subspecies Alcedo azurens ruficollaris occurs in northern Australia . It is comparatively common. The distribution area extends from the Kimberley to Cape York in southeast Australia. It differs from the other subspecies by having a bronze-colored breast, which is bordered on the left and right by purple plumage. It lives mainly along broad rivers in monsoon forests near the coast, but also occurs at permanent water points further inland in Australia. The size of the area is also influenced by the width of the river in question. In places that offer the azure fisherman ideal living conditions, a couple needs a river section of 200 to 500 meters in length.
In general, the azure fisherman is rarer in the south and in the more temperate parts of the Australian continent. In parts of its historical range, it has even become extinct. In Eastern Australia, the nominate form occurs, which lives along small rivers near the coast. But it can also be found along the Murray River and the Murrumbidgee River . In suitable places there is a pair for every kilometer of the river.
Changes in population are usually the result of changes in water quality and flow velocity. In parts of its distribution area, the construction of dams and weirs has had a negative impact on population density. It is particularly difficult to find sufficient food when interventions in rivers lead to the rivers carrying more earth and clay. However, the azure fisherman has also benefited from the introduction of the carp by European settlers, which is now one of its more common prey fish.
behavior
The Azure fisherman dives into the water from a seat guard or from the shaking flight to catch fish and crabs. The prey is killed by striking it against a branch and then swallowed head first. Aquatic insects are caught in flight. Sometimes frogs complement the diet.
Reproduction
The azure fisherman lives monogamous and defends his breeding area. The 80–120 cm long breeding cave is dug into a sand bank. Nesting caves that are too deep can be destroyed during floods. Both parent birds incubate the four to seven eggs for 21 days and then feed the chicks. The nestling period lasts 28 days.
Web links
- Videos, photos and sound recordings for Ceyx azureus in the Internet Bird Collection
- Ceyx azureus inthe IUCN 2013 Red List of Threatened Species . Listed by: BirdLife International, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
- Birds in backyards
- French side with pictures
literature
- Ronald Strahan: Cuckoos, Nightbirds & Kingfishers of Australia. Angus & Robertson, Sydney 1994, ISBN 0-207-18522-0 .
Single receipts
- ↑ a b c d Strahan: Cuckoos, Nightbirds & Kingfishers of Australia . P. 128.
- ↑ Ceyx azureus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2016 Posted by: BirdLife International, 2016. Retrieved on 3 October 2016th
- ^ Strahan: Cuckoos, Nightbirds & Kingfishers of Australia. P. 130.
- ^ A b Strahan: Cuckoos, Nightbirds & Kingfishers of Australia. P. 129.