The African Pygmy Kingfisher is a stunning bird that can be found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This small bird is a member of the kingfisher family and is known for its striking blue and orange coloration. It is a popular bird among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts due to its beauty and unique characteristics.
The African Pygmy Kingfisher is a tiny bird, measuring only about 4 inches in length. Despite its small size, it is a powerhouse of color, with bright blue feathers on its back and wings and vibrant orange feathers on its belly and throat. It also has a distinctive white stripe above its eye, which adds to its overall beauty.
In addition to its stunning coloration, the African Pygmy Kingfisher is also known for its behavior. As its name suggests, this bird is a skilled fisherman and can often be seen perched over water, waiting patiently for its prey. When it spots a fish, it dives headfirst into the water, grabbing its prey with its sharp beak before returning to its perch to eat.
The African Pygmy Kingfisher is also interesting to observe due to its nesting habits. It typically builds its nest in a hole in a tree or in a termite mound. The female lays her eggs in the nest, which are then incubated by both parents. Once the eggs hatch, the parents feed the chicks a diet of insects and small fish until they are ready to leave the nest.
Overall, the African Pygmy Kingfisher is a stunning and fascinating bird. Its vibrant blue and orange coloration, unique fishing behavior, and distinctive vocalizations make it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. If you want to see this bird in the wild, look for it near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or ponds. With a little patience and observation, you can experience the beauty and wonder of this amazing bird firsthand.
Another interesting aspect of the African Pygmy Kingfisher’s behavior is its vocalizations. Despite its small size, this bird has a loud and distinctive call, which is often described as sounding like “peedle, pee-dee-dee.” It also has a variety of other calls, which it uses to communicate with other birds and to establish its territory.
