Malachite Kingfisher

How to identify the malachite kingfisher

Very small. Brilliant blue above, rufous-orange below, with a white throat, a blue-and-black barred crest and a red bill in adults (black in young birds).

Where to see the malachite kingfisher in Murchison Falls National Park

On reeds and papyrus stems at the river's edge, particularly in quiet backwaters and in the delta.

Habitat

Reeds, papyrus and other vegetation at the edge of slow rivers, lakes and pools.

What the malachite kingfisher eats

Small fish, tadpoles and aquatic insects.

Behaviour

It perches low over the water, bobbing its head, then dives and returns to the same perch.

Best time to see the malachite kingfisher

All year. Resident, here all year.