Malachite Kingfisher {Alcedo cristata}

Malachite Kingfisher is a small bird, 13 cm in length. The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue.

The head has a short crest of black and blue feathers, which gives rise to the scientific name. The face, cheeks and underparts are rufous and there are white patches on the throat and rear neck sides. The bill is black in young birds and reddish orange in adults; the legs are bright red. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult.

The flight of the Malachite Kingfisher is rapid, the short rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies low over water.

Quick Facts

Name: Alcedo cristata

Habitat: A common species of reeds and rank vegetation near slow moving water or ponds. Malachite Kingfisher has regular perches or stands from which it fishes. These are usually low over the water. It sits upright, its tail pointed downwards. It drops suddenly with a splash and usually returns at once with a struggling captive.

Distribution: Widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara.

Diet: Fish, frogs, aquatic insects, crabs and tadpoles.

Reproduction: The Malachite Kingfisher breeds from August to November. The nest is a tunnel in a sandy bank, usually, though not always, over water. Both birds excavate. Most burrows incline upward before the nesting chamber is reached.