Sacred Kingfisher - Kōtare
Mainly found in the North Island you will often see them sitting high on a perch near or on a washing line.
The Sacred Kingfisher is of stocky build and has a big heavy bill. It has green-blue back feathers that turn yellow on its undersides. They are a relative of the Australian Kookaburra (not the British Kingfishers it’s named after) and share the same shape as them. Some New Zealand Kingfishers even have a similar cackle of a call.
They live in nests at the end of short tunnels dug into earth banks. They will fly directly into the side of a bank stabbing their bills in to start the tunnel hole. This can take some time and can require many head on collisions to get it started.
What do Sacred Kingfisher eat?
Sacred Kingfishers eat their prey whole, if its large they will smash it on a hard surface before they swallow it. They enjoy insects, lizards, crabs, spiders and small birds - often Silvereyes. They will even steal worms from another bird if they get the chance.
Support the creatures you kohabit with:
Nectar-loving birds like Tūī, Silvereye and Bellbirds will get a great boost from Kohab Bird Nectar with beetroot.
Our glucose-based bird nectar includes the superpower of beetroot, you just need to add water. Not only does this give our bird nectar its beautiful red colouring, but it also attracts birds, making it easy for them to find and enjoy. In addition, beetroot is rich in nitrates, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help the birds thrive and maintain their energetic lifestyle.
By providing your NZ birds with high-energy food and good nutrition you will help them thrive. Kohabs’ bird foods have been developed to supplement wild birds' natural food sources to support their health and wellbeing.
Try a Kohab Food Subscription and ensure you are always well stocked up and enjoy great savings too. Our subscriptions make great gifts for bird lovers or for that person who has everything.
All Kohab Wild Bird Food comes with no plastic.
For more information on Kohab bird foods take a look at About Kohab Bird Food.
Kohab Bird Nectar composition: glucose, organic beetroot powder.
Read our subscription FAQs here.
The Kohab Open Wooden Birdhouse has been specially designed to give safe, warm shelter to a range of NZ birds that are regular visitors to your garden. The open birdhouse style replicates the birds’ natural nesting preference and will be attractive to Grey Warbler, Silvereye, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, House Sparrows and even, if you’re in luck, Tūī.
Adding a birdhouse to your garden is a great way to support and encourage your local wildlife. Not only are you providing a safe nesting box, you also get to connect more with those you kohabit your space with and have the joy of watching generation after generation of new bird life. It's a win-win.
Details:
This DIY birdhouse is New Zealand made from strong high-quality marine plywood with thick walls and roof making them watertight as well as warm and snug. They have a slide-in base that makes cleaning them quick and easy, and good floor ventilation to keep moisture levels low.
Our birdhouses come in a kitset and are quick and easy to assemble. Simply slot the pieces together and hammer a few nails into the part-drilled holes. We supply the nails and two sturdy mounting screws.
To find out more about how to put your Kohab Wooden Birdhouse together take a look at our birdhouse plans and assembly instructions.
Other Info:
Kohab birdhouses are made from high-quality marine plywood, which is safe for birds and can last outside untreated for up to 10 years.
However, as with all outside wood products, you can extend your birdhouses lifespan with a little bit of love. We recommend sealing it with Timber Sealer and Protector.
Size: H 296mm x W 180mm x D 145mm
Entrance hole: H 75mm x W 130mm
Kohab Birdhouses are proudly NZ made.
Get set up with a nectar feeder and fruit feeder to support the native birds you kohabit your garden with. Support Tūī, Silvereye or Bellbirds with the Kohab Native Bird Feeding Kit. Invite the native birds to supplement their diet while you watch them dine in style.
What's in the box?
Kohab Love Fruit Bird Feeder:
This feeder will attract fruit-eating birds to your garden. Simply hang it up, add some fruit and wait and see who visits. Designed and made right here in NZ in Corten Steel, this beautiful heart design will get better and better with age as its colours change with the seasons.
Kohab Bird Feeder:
This wooden feeder is a feeding platform. Just add a bowl of your choice to serve the nectar and attach it to a tree or fence. It's made right here in New Zealand from strong, high-quality marine plywood and comes in a quick and easy assemble kitset. Everything you need is in the box.
Kohab Bird Nectar 1kg:
This glucose-based bird nectar includes the superpower of beetroot, just to add water. Beetroot gives our bird nectar it's beautiful red colouring that attracts the birds, making it easy for them to find and enjoy. In addition, beetroot is rich in nitrates, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help the birds thrive and maintain their energetic lifestyle.
Great as a gift:
This set is ideal as a gift for a bird lover or that person who has it all. It's also ideal as a corporate gift as its sustainable and supports New Zealand wildlife. Find out more about how we pack our products.
PLEASE NOTE: a bowl is not included with the feeder.