Giant Kingfisher

Megaceryle maxima

Other Names

  African Giant Kingfisher, Alucan Giant Kingfisher   Martin-pêcheur géant, Alcyon géant   Riesenfischer   Martín Gigante Africano   Jättekungsfiskare   Afrikaanse Reuzen-ijsvogel   Martin pescatore gigante

World: Africa, East from Senegal to Ethiopia and Kenya then South to South Africa.

Kenya: Restricted to the South-West of the country up to about 1°N and 39°E, occasionally wandering further afield, even as far as Lake Turkana.

A shy, fairly uncommon bird that likes wooded areas alongside permanent lakes and streams, where it feeds on fish, frogs and freshwater crabs. Mostly found above 1000m. This one was spotted by an alert boatman in the trees alongside Lake Baringo. Since kingfishers the size of crows aren't that common it's difficult to get this confused with any other bird. The male (above) has a chestnut breast and white throat while the female has a black-and-white speckled breast.