The White-bellied Kingfisher is a beautiful species found in West and Central Africa. It is notable for its bright blue upperparts, clean white belly, and distinct orange head and throat, often with a black eye-stripe.
Where to spot
Distributed in West and Central Africa, from Sierra Leone to Uganda and Angola. Inhabits clear, slow-moving streams, rivers, and ponds within forested areas.
How to spot
Look for it perched quietly on low branches over clear water. Its white belly contrasting with its colorful upperparts is a key identifier. Listen for its sharp 'chick' or 'sii-sii-sii' calls.
When to spot
Resident year-round. Active during daylight hours. Best observed in the mornings and late afternoons.
Where to spot
Distributed in West and Central Africa, from Sierra Leone to Uganda and Angola. Inhabits clear, slow-moving streams, rivers, and ponds within forested areas.
How to spot
Look for it perched quietly on low branches over clear water. Its white belly contrasting with its colorful upperparts is a key identifier. Listen for its sharp 'chick' or 'sii-sii-sii' calls.
When to spot
Resident year-round. Active during daylight hours. Best observed in the mornings and late afternoons.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This species has a distinctive, rapid wing-beat when hovering, allowing it to remain stationary over water before plunging to catch prey.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.