Kingfisher

Todiramphus sp. Lesson 1827
Kingfisher
Family: Alcedinidae
Collection history: G. Masters 1875, Cape York
 
Todiramphus macleayii (Jardine and Selby 1830) is one of the many animals named after a Macleay family member  — in this case, Alexander — because of their extensive interest and activities in natural history. This forest kingfisher lives in woodland and forested regions. When looking for food they will perch still on a low branch. Once they have spotted their prey — insects, small fish and crustaceans — they swoop quickly and bring it back to their perch. They excavate their nests in trees, fence posts and termite mounds by flying at the site, then picking away the bark and debris with their powerful beak and claws to make a safe burrow for their eggs.
 
Museum: The Macleays, their collection and the search for order
Robyn Stacey and Ashley Hay
Cambridge University Press
2007