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The nest is in a burrow excavated by both birds of the pair in a low vertical riverbank, or sometimes a quarry or other cutting. The straight, gently inclining burrow is normally 60–90 cm (25–35 in) long and ends in an enlarged chamber. [8] The nest cavity is unlined but soon accumulates a litter of fish remains and cast pellets. [13]
Kingfishers usually hunt from an exposed perch; when a prey item is observed, the kingfisher swoops down to snatch it, then returns to the perch. Kingfishers of all three families beat larger prey against a perch to kill the prey and to dislodge or break protective spines and bones. Having beaten the prey, it is manipulated and then swallowed. [14]
Buff-breasted paradise kingfisher nest in termite mound, Cairns, Jan 2021. In Australia nests are made in termite mounds of Microcerotermes serratus on the ground. Nests have also been recorded in mounds attached to living trees with the bases 1.5–3 m (4.9–9.8 ft) above the ground. The kingfishers use termitaria on the ground as well as in ...
Nest holes may sometimes be used for roosting. [15] In 1947, British zoologist Hugh B. Cott noticed while skinning birds that hornets were attracted to certain birds but avoided the flesh of pied kingfishers. This led to a comparative study of edibility of birds and he suggested that more conspicuously plumaged birds may be less palatable.
The tunnel extends straight, then rises, before descending to the chamber in which the nest is. This chamber is between 15 and 20 cm (6 and 8 in) wide and 10 and 13 cm (4 and 5 in) high. The width of the tunnel is typically 8 cm ( 3 + 1 ⁄ 8 in): the length varies with the soil, ranging from 45 to 60 cm ( 17 + 1 ⁄ 2 to 23 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) in ...
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The nest is in a chamber at the end of a 1 m (3 ft 3 in) long burrow in an earthen creek bank. [2] A clutch of 4–6 white, rounded, glossy eggs, measuring 22 mm × 19 mm (0.87 in × 0.75 in), is laid. [4] Both parents incubate the eggs for 20–22 days, and then feed the hatchlings for a further 3 to 5 weeks.
Guests can (and maybe should) still enjoy cake, (zero-proof) wine and good music at a nesting party—and gifts are also welcome—but an effective one will help check off some boxes on the to-do ...