Hello, I have been observing these guy's for over 2 years at a spot near Bendigo, & they are nesting under an old, disused bridge. I am convinced they are Forest KF but maybe someone with more experience know's better?? Forest KF breeding in Central Vic or Sacred KF with more blue than usual? Sorry the images are not sharp, can't get close enough!!
I believe that they are Sacred Kingfishers; indicators are buff lores and buff on outer chest running down the flanks and across the lower stomach; the colour in the lower pic is more the Sacred KF colour and therefore I assume that the colour variatin in pic 1 is due to shade, etc; your pics also give an impression of a larger bird than the typical Forest KF; but when I look at my app it says Forest KF 17-23cm and Sacred KF 20-23cm
Peter
Yep, harsh light behind made it hard to get colours to show up "true" and moving around only sent the bird(s) higher in the trees. Good arguement for Sacred, blue colour had me in 2 minds but lack of white spot on forhead supports your view. Maybe I just wanted the Forest version to be here? Great day out in any case, these guy's, Thornbills, Yellow Faced HE, Sulphurs, Long Billed Corella, Superb wrens, Red Browed Finch, Grey Fantail & on & on. All in one local spot for an hour. Spoilt!
Riches beyond comprehension, mitzy.
agree with sacred