David
Sounds like a Sacred Kingfisher to me. Sometimes they are pure white
underneath except for a little buff on the underwing coverts, and the
lore spots can also be white. Usually though if they're white on the
underparts the back is not a pure blue (you describe it as steely), but
rather a dusky turquoise and blue. One way I've almost always been able
to tell them apart in bad light, that is if they don't fly, is by looking
on the nape. In most I've seen there is a white spot on the back of the
head just above the black edging to the cap.
Hope this is of some help.
Regards
Denise
Denise Goodfellow (Lawungkurr Maralngurra)
Specialist Guide
Ph/fax 08 89818492
PO Box 39373
WINNELLIE NT 0821, AUSTRALIA
www.earthfoot.org
Parap Bookshop
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08 89813922
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