Want to know where and when to find Malachite Kingfisher? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Malachite Kingfisher in South Africa
About the Malachite Kingfisher
The malachite kingfisher is a small, brilliantly coloured African kingfisher strongly associated with freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, lakes, dams and wetlands. It has vivid blue-green upperparts, a bright orange underparts and a long red bill. It usually hunts from a low perch close to the water, diving rapidly to catch small fish, aquatic insects, tadpoles and other small aquatic prey.
How to identify the Malachite Kingfisher
Very small, brilliantly coloured kingfisher with a blue-green back and head, orange throat and breast, and bright blue wings. The bill is long, straight and black, with red or orange colouring at the base in some individuals.
Did you know?
The Malachite Kingfisher often perches very close to the water before diving almost vertically to catch small fish and aquatic prey.
Also known as: Kuifvisvanger, Kingfisher
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Malachite Kingfisher, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.