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Megaceryle maxima
The Giant Kingfisher is a big, colorful bird that loves to fish! With its striking black and white feathers, it can often be seen near rivers and lakes, diving into the water to catch its meals.
Habitat: Wetlands
The Giant kingfisher is a very large, dark grey bird with striking white spots and a prominent, shaggy crest. Its underparts are rufous, with a white throat patch. Females have a rufous breast band, while males have a grey one, making them unique among kingfishers.
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Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Female Giant kingfishers are more brightly colored than males!
Giant kingfishers are very shy, making them tricky to spot.
It's the largest kingfisher in all of Africa!
They dig long, deep tunnel nests into riverbanks.
Giant kingfisher has incredible eyesight that helps them spot tiny fish deep underwater even from above the surface.
Giant kingfisher can plunge headfirst into water from great heights to catch slippery prey with amazing accuracy.
Giant kingfisher has a powerful, dagger-like bill that helps them grip and subdue large, struggling fish and crustaceans.
This big bird is a master diver, catching fish, crabs, and frogs in rivers.
Oreochromis niloticus
A common fish prey in its habitat.
Potamonautes perlatus
Eats crabs found in river systems.
Xenopus laevis
Preys on frogs found near water.
Crocodylus niloticus
Can prey on kingfishers near water.
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.
42-46 cm
60-70 cm
0.25-0.425 kg
10-15 years
35 km/h
This big bird is a master diver, catching fish, crabs, and frogs in rivers.
Wetlands
Ambush
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