Malachite Kingfisher
Corythornis cristatus
Ponds. Orange-buff below; blue above; bill and legs red.
Kingfishers
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. Differs from [African Pygmy Kingfisher] in turquoise cap that reaches the eyes and no mauve on the ear coverts. Immature has a black bill and duller plumage; cf. adult (Half-collared Kingfisher). Distinguished from [Half-collared Kingfisher] by smaller size, brighter orange underparts and orange (not blue) cheeks. When flushed, utters a shrill ‘peep-peep’. Occurs singly on almost any water with fringing vegetation, perching low down on a reed, branch or rock.
Quick Facts
Size
14 cm - S
Names
A: Kuifkopvisvanger
Z: uZangozolo
Ss: Seinodi Sa Motlwenya
G: Malachiteisvogel, Haubenzwergfischer
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
