Half-collared Kingfisher
Alcedo semitorquata
Rivers. Brilliant blue above; below throat white; underparts buffy; bill black; legs red.
Kingfishers
EN
Not Endemic
Description
Uncommon resident. Larger than superficially similar [African Pygmy Kingfisher] and [Malachite Kingfisher]. Identified by black bill, entirely bright blue upperparts and cinnamon lower breast and belly. Calls a shrill ‘teep’ or ‘seek-seek’. Occurs singly on small, heavily wooded inland waters and well-wooded estuaries. A fish-eater, perching low down over the water. Sparse distribution.
Quick Facts
Size
20 cm - M
Names
A: Blouvisvanger
Z: isiXula
Ss: Seinodi Se Setalalehodimo
G: Kobalteisvogel
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
