# Pied Kingfisher

> The pied kingfisher is a black-and-white kingfisher that hovers over the water before diving for fish. It is one of the commonest birds on the Nile in Murchison Falls and is seen on every boat trip.

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

Bird · Resident

*Ceryle rudis*

## In brief

The pied kingfisher is a black-and-white kingfisher that hovers over the water before diving for fish. It is one of the commonest birds on the Nile in Murchison Falls and is seen on every boat trip.

## How to identify the pied kingfisher

Entirely black and white, with a shaggy crest. The male has two black bands across the chest; the female has one, broken in the middle.

## Where to see the pied kingfisher in Murchison Falls National Park

Everywhere along the river: hovering over the water, sitting on overhanging branches and nesting in holes in the bank.

## Habitat

Rivers, lakes and swamps with open water and banks for nesting.

## What the pied kingfisher eats

Small fish, with some aquatic insects.

## Behaviour

It hovers in one spot, bill pointing down, then plunges head first. It can swallow small fish in flight, so it fishes far from perches. Pairs often have helpers at the nest.

## Best time to see the pied kingfisher

All year. Resident, here all year.

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

## At a glance

- **Scientific name**: Ceryle rudis
- **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 25 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)

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

## Questions about the pied kingfisher

### Which kingfisher hovers over the water?

The pied kingfisher. It is the kingfisher you will most often see holding still in the air above the river before it dives.

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