Giant Kingfisher
Megaceryle maximus
Inland waters. Large black-and-white kingfisher; male with rufous breast; female with rufous belly; bill black.
Kingfishers
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. World’s largest kingfisher; much larger than [Pied Kingfisher]. The male shows a russet-brown breast and the female a belly of the same colour. The call is a raucous ‘kek-kek-kek-kek-kek’, recalling a Hamerkop. Occurs singly or in pairs near wooded rivers, wooded dams and coastal lagoons. Perches on a branch, bridge or wire, from where it watches the water; sometimes hovers briefly before plunge-diving.
Quick Facts
Size
43-46 cm - L
Names
A: Reuse Visvanger
Z: isiVuba
Ss: Seinodi Se Seholo
G: Riesenfischer, Rieseneisvogel
Bird Family
Fish- or insect-eating birds with short legs and long, dagger-like bills. The fish-eating species plunge-dive for their food from a perch or, in some cases, after hovering. Fish are beaten into immobility before being swallowed head-first. The insectivorous species hunt from a low branch, usually away from water, where they watch for and seize insects on the ground. They breed in holes in banks or trees. Immatures resemble adults but are duller.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Occurs singly or in pairs near wooded rivers, wooded dams and coastal lagoons.
