Todiramphus (halcyon) sanctus
found in the Solomon Islands. in the mangrove and eucalyptus forests of Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania, New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, eastern Indonesia, the Kermadec Islands, much of northern and western Melanesia, and New Caledonia. In southern winter, the species migrates slightly further north. Sacred Alcyone hunts mostly on land and occasionally in water. It feeds on reptiles, mainly lizards, large insects and their larvae, crustaceans and rarely fish. Does not neglect also small mammals and birds.
It is characterized by a wide white stripe on the neck, a black spot on the ear, a narrow black stripe running around the greenish-blue nape, and a black bill. The plumage of the wings and tail is turquoise, on the chest and on the belly it is white on the back of the head. Both partners dig a nesting cave either in a termite mound, in a hollow branch, or in a sandbar, incubate 3 to 6 eggs and take care of the offspring. Chicks that are born after 18 days leave the nest after 26 days.
