kōtare - kingfisher
The kingfisher's bill was the inspiration for the design of bullet trains in Japan.
Photo: Tania Wilkinson
kōtare - sacred kingfisher
Todiramphus sanctus
New Zealand Status: Native
Conservation Status: Not threatened
Lifespan: Unknown
Size: 23cm (about Blackbird size)
Weight: 55g
-Cats and window-strike are the main threats to kōtare.
-In the past kōtare have been persecuted because of the perceived threat they pose to pet fish and fowl.
Is it a kingfisher?
Look for: When stationary, kōtare are often seen on an elevated perch such as a fence post or bare tree branch. Maybe even the Xcluder fence itself! When they move you'll see a flash of iridescent blue and maybe some orange.
Listen for: The most common 'kek' call sounds a bit like a day time, sped up version of a ruru call.
Did you know?
Basing the front of Japanese bullet trains on the kingfisher's unique bill shape helped prevent sonic booms and made trains faster, quieter and more powerful.
Kōtare will begin their nests in a bank by flying head first into it. Their bill shape allows them to chisel away in this manner until they can start scooping out a tunnel.
The word kōtare can also refer to part of a fence of a pā which was used to look out for enemies.
Kōtare @ Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Kōtare were surviving on Maungatautari in the presence of introduced pests before the completion of the fence in 2006. They are most likely to be seen on the fringes of the Southern Enclosure, maybe perching on the fence itself or on a nearby post.