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Setswana name: Mmatlhapi, Seinodi
Scientific name: Ceryle maxima
Size: 43 - 46 cm |
King Fisher
 Description
King Fishers are colourful, short-legged, dagger-billed fish and insect eating birds: The King Fisher who eat fish, usually plunge-dive for their food which they spot from a perch or while hovering (like the Peid Kingfisher). The King Fisher will carry its catch to ground or on branches and thump them until they are immobile before devouring their catch.
The insect-eaters hunt from low branches, watching closely for insects on the ground.
They breed in holes on river banks to trees; the young King Fisher resembles adults, but their feather’s colours are not as bright as their adult counterparts.
Behaviour and habitat
Kingfishers usually spend time alone and sometimes in pairs. They enjoy areas on wooded rivers or dams; and perch on branches not in full view. Their presence can be heard by their loud call. |
