Ceyx azureus (Azure Kingfisher)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Kingfishers are among my favourite group of birds. They are colourful and striking, yet proud and powerful predators. The only downside is that they can be tricky to approach. Doing so from a boat helps a lot, as for some reason they are much more confiding when approached from the water.
There are multiple sub-species of azure kingfisher found in Australia, PNG and Indonesia. This individual was photographed on the Daintree River which it in the crossover zone where both the northern and southern species overlap… though the line shifts depending on the author. On the balance of probabilities, and having consulted an expert I think this is Ceyx azureus azureaus , the nominate (first described) race.