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.
Make tunnels in earth banks for nesting.
Average 5 eggs per clutch.
Info: Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa
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!)
ReplyDeleteI don't think a lot of people know that there are kingfishers that grow this big
ReplyDeleteLove this....
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful species, I was lucky enough to get a pair perched nr Olifants in August. Wonderful.
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.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is much larger than the usual kingfisher isn't it? :)
You are right Jonker, these are much larger than the usual ones. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. These were on the bridge near Lower Sabie.
ReplyDeleteYou got some great shots of this Giant. I remember being surprised how big it was and it posed for us for a while.
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a beautiful bird and what great photos!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue.Lucky shots. :)
ReplyDelete