For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Giant Kingfisher

Found throughout SA in rivers, streams and dams.


The largest of the kingfisher family and identified by the black and white colouring with red breast.

Eats crabs, fish and frogs.


Make tunnels in earth banks for nesting.

Average 5 eggs per clutch.
Info: Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa

10 comments:

Jo said...

Oh wow, Joan, what stunning photos. I struggled to get decent pics of the Giant Kingfisher in Kenya as it was mostly sitting on cables over the river. These are beautiful images of the male. Have a wonderful weekend. Jo (PS We've not seen a Giant Kingfisher in Tanzania yet, but all the others which occur here!)

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

I don't think a lot of people know that there are kingfishers that grow this big

Dave said...

Love this....

A very beautiful species, I was lucky enough to get a pair perched nr Olifants in August. Wonderful.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

These are only good because they were sitting nearby Jo. I do not have a proper lens for birds and seldom take pictures of them. We were crossing a bridge near Lower Sabie in Kruger National Park and they were sitting on the bank.
Yes, this is much larger than the usual kingfisher isn't it? :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

You are right Jonker, these are much larger than the usual ones. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Dave. These were on the bridge near Lower Sabie.

Gaelyn said...

You got some great shots of this Giant. I remember being surprised how big it was and it posed for us for a while.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Gaelyn. Their favourite places are on these bridges so it is quite easy to get shots of them. They are used to the cars and do not fly away when one gets near.

Sue C said...

Wow! What a beautiful bird and what great photos!!!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Sue.Lucky shots. :)