The Malachite Kingfisher
The Malachite Kingfisher is one of the fascinating bird species, though it is sometimes confused with the smaller but very similar-looking pygmy kingfisher. They both really stand out because of their vibrant colors. Across Africa, this stunning riverine Malachite Kingfisher enjoys widespread distribution along rivers, water channels, and lake shores.
These birds live within the same range as other kingfishers, such as the pygmy kingfisher and pied kingfisher. Woodland Kingfisher among others. It’s always great to have a sighting of these beautiful kingfishers.
Characteristics
These birds aren’t big, only about 13 cm (5 inches), and they like to sit on reeds or branches close to water. Even though they have bright colors, they aren’t easy to spot.
It is a resident bird apart from seasonal climate-related movements. It is a small, resident bird, known for its dark green color and called “cristata,” meaning “crested.”
The Malachite Kingfisher is a small bird with bright metallic blue upper parts. It has a black and blue feather crest, rufous face and underparts, and white throat patches. Young birds have a black bill, while adults have a reddish orange bill and bright red legs.
Feeding
The bird fishes from low perches above water, dropping suddenly to catch prey. It handles large food items by beating them before swallowing, while smaller prey is eaten quickly. It typically carries and swallows fish head first after adjusting their position.
They just sit and wait to launch themselves into the water. They mainly feed on small fish, but they also don’t mind eating insects, tadpoles, frogs, and larvae.
Breeding- The Malachite Kingfisher
The male and female look the same; both have beautiful colors, and these birds make their nest together. Both males and females will work on the tunnel they dig in a sandbank. Not just any tunnel, these tunnels are between 25 and 120 cm long.
Which is quite impressive for such small birds. At the end of the tunnel, they make a chamber, and in there, the female will lay 3 to 6 eggs. The male doesn’t stop there with his job; he helps the female incubate the eggs.
The world has several species of kingfishers, totaling over 87 species. Africa is home to different species of kingfishers. However, the malachite kingfisher is only found in Africa.
The kingfisher flies rapidly low over water and has a shrill call. Its breeding song is a chuckling li-cha-cha-chui-chui.
The Malachite Kingfisher is a stunner, so colorful, and spotting one is always a treat. These lovely birds have clever hunting skills, which is just amazing.
Birdwatchers on birding safaris find it charming to spot these fascinating birds. Its stunning color and appearance add charm to birding tours in Africa, making birding a truly memorable and unforgettable adventure experience.
