Giant Kingfisher
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Reuse Visvanger  Giant Kingfisher Ceryle maxima Seen close to Engelhard Dam near Letaba Rest Camp Kruger National Park |
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Description - The Giant Kingfisher is much larger (38-43 cm long) than any other kingfisher species. Males have a black-speckled, chestnut breast, while females have a chestnut belly. The bill is long and dark. Young kingfishers resemble adults but are duller.
Distribution - The north and east of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa, in particular the eastern part.
Habitat - Absent in dry areas, but to be found near wooded streams or dams, coastal lagoons and fast-flowing rivers in mountainous areas.
Biological - Kingfishers usually occur singly or sometimes in pairs. They perch inconspicuously on branches overhanging deep water, or on a bridge or a wire. Their flight is rapid and direct. However, sometimes the Giant Kingfisher hovers briefly before plunging into the water.
Diet - The Giant Kingfisher plunge-dives for fish from a perch. Fish are taken to a perch or onto the ground and beaten into immobility before being swallowed.
Breeding - They breed in holes in river banks or trees.
Voice - A loud, harsh 'kahk-kah-kahk'.
Other names - D - Riesenfischer, Riesen Eisvogel - DK Kæmpestødfisker - F Alcyon géant, Martin-pêcheur géant - IT Martin Pescatore Gigante - NL Afrikaanse reuzenijsvogel
Books
Ian Sinclair et al. - Sasol birds of Southern Africa. Struik Publ. ISBN 1-86872-033-0
Kenneth Newman - Newman se voëls van Suider-Afrika. SAPPI. ISBN 1-868-12-758-3