Birds
File:Flickr - Rainbirder - Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) male (cropped).jpg

Giant Kingfisher

Giant Kingfisher

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The Giant Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher in Africa, an imposing bird with a shaggy crest, dark grey and white mottled plumage, and a massive black bill. It is a powerful predator of large fish.
Where to spot
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. It prefers clear, flowing rivers, large lakes, and estuaries, particularly those with overhanging vegetation for perching.
How to spot
Look for its large size and shaggy crest. Spot it perched prominently on branches overlooking water or flying with powerful wingbeats. Listen for its loud, far-carrying 'kwa-kwa-kwa' call.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, often most visible in the early morning and late afternoon when fishing. It is a resident species, observable year-round.
File:Flickr - Rainbirder - Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) male (cropped).jpg
File:Giant Kingfisher, Megaceryle maxima at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, South Africa (33936851774).jpg
File:Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima), male holding a Tilapia.jpg
File:Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima), male holding a Tilapia ... - 54161880432.jpg
File:Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) male ... (52133573916).jpg
File:Giant kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima).jpg
File:Giant kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) female composite.jpg
File:Giant kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) male.jpg
File:Megaceryle maxima -Zimbabwe-8-2c.jpg
File:Flickr - Rainbirder - Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) male (cropped).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Giant Kingfisher, Megaceryle maxima at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, South Africa (33936851774).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima), male holding a Tilapia.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima), male holding a Tilapia ... - 54161880432.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) male ... (52133573916).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Giant kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Giant kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) female composite.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Giant kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) male.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Megaceryle maxima -Zimbabwe-8-2c.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
This kingfisher often hunts by hovering high above the water before plummeting down headfirst to catch large fish, a spectacular display of its hunting prowess.
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