# Malachite Kingfisher

> The malachite kingfisher is a tiny, jewel-bright kingfisher with a metallic blue back, orange underparts and a red bill. It sits low on reeds and papyrus at the edge of the Nile and is often seen at close range from a boat.

Source: https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/malachite-kingfisher

Bird · Resident

*Corythornis cristatus*

## In brief

The malachite kingfisher is a tiny, jewel-bright kingfisher with a metallic blue back, orange underparts and a red bill. It sits low on reeds and papyrus at the edge of the Nile and is often seen at close range from a boat.

## 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.

Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Further reading: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachite_kingfisher).

## At a glance

- **Scientific name**: Corythornis cristatus
- **Family**: Alcedinidae (kingfishers)
- **Presence**: Resident, here all year
- **Best time to see it**: All year
- **Chance of seeing it**: Seen on most visits
- **Size**: About 13 cm long
- **Conservation status**: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Seen on

- [Nile River Cruises](https://nilesafarilodge.com/activities/nile-river-cruises)
- [Bird Watching](https://nilesafarilodge.com/activities/bird-watching)

[Plan your stay](https://nilesafarilodge.com/contact?topic=Accommodation+and+reservations#enquire)

Or call [Whatsapp: +256 757 363362 Landline: +256 776 938 933](tel:+256757363362+256776938933)

## Questions about the malachite kingfisher

### How small is a malachite kingfisher?

About 13 cm long, which is roughly the size of a sparrow.

## The malachite kingfisher in our journal

- [Murchison Falls National Park: A Bird Watcher’s Paradise](https://nilesafarilodge.com/journal/murchison-falls-national-park-a-bird-watchers-paradise) (Wildlife & Nature 10 May 2025, 2 min read): Nestled in the heart of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is more than just a haven for iconic wildlife; it’s a bird watcher’s dream come true. With over 450 bird species soaring through its vast skies…

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Nile Safari Lodge, Southern bank of the River Nile, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Telephone Whatsapp: +256 757 363362              Landline: +256 776 938 933. Email info@nilesafarilodge.com. Reservations: https://nilesafarilodge.com/contact