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Male Red-backed Kingfisher feeding femaleAlternate name(s): "Golden Kingfisher"  Aboriginal name(s): "luurn" [kukatja], "luurnpa" ("lurnpa")Size: 20-24 cm |
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In bird species where the female is the sole or primary incubator, the male must prove that he is willing and able to feed her while she is incubating the eggs. He does this by bringing her offerings of food in a bonding ritual. Note how he always approaches her from below, leaving her to sit higher on the perch (which in many bird species is a sign of status).
2015
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MALE |
Male Red-backed Kingfisher arriving on one of its favourite perches,
bringing a big, fat spider for his partner
[Near Narrabri, NSW, September 2015]
The male Red-backed Kingfisher then flew over to the partner's
perch and presented the spider: "Darl, look what I got for ya"
[Near Narrabri, NSW, September 2015]
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FEMALE |
"Ohhh, how nice of you - GIVE!"
[Near Narrabri, NSW, September 2015]
"Thanks, mate!"
[Near Narrabri, NSW, September 2015]
"Hmmm, yumm!"
[Near Narrabri, NSW, September 2015]
"OK, now let's have a look around for something to eat"
[Near Narrabri, NSW, September 2015]
2014
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MALE |
Male Red-backed Kingfisher (lower right) bringing a skink for his
partner
[Near Narrabri, NSW, October 2014]
The male Red-backed Kingfisher called when releasing its prey
[Near Narrabri, NSW, October 2014]
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FEMALE |
The female Red-backed Kingfisher changed its hold on the small
lizard...
[Near Narrabri, NSW, October 2014]
... and turned away with its meal before he could change his mind
[Near Narrabri, NSW, October 2014]
