Malachite Kingfisher

Overview

The malachite kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) is a small river kingfisher widely distributed across Africa south of the Sahara. It is largely a resident species, though it may undergo seasonal movements related to climate conditions.

Identification

• Length ranges from 12 to 14 cm depending on the region, appearing as a small bird with bright metallic blue upperparts.
• The head features a short crest of black and blue feathers, while the face, cheeks, and underparts are rufous with white patches on the throat and rear neck sides.
• Adults possess a reddish-orange bill and bright red legs, whereas juveniles have black bills and duller plumage.
• Flight is rapid with short, rounded wings whirring into a blur, typically flying low over the water.

Habitat

The species is common to reeds and aquatic vegetation near slow-moving water or ponds throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is absent only from the very arid parts of Somalia, Kenya, Namibia, and Botswana.

Diet

Feeding on fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, the bird fishes from regular perches low over the water. It drops suddenly to catch prey, beating large items on a bough or rail before swallowing, often tossing fish into the air to adjust their position for head-first consumption.

Did you know?

The specific epithet 'cristatus' derives from the Latin word for 'crested', referencing the bird's short crest of black and blue feathers on its head.