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Giant kingfisher

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

Appearance

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.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCoraciiformesFamilyAlcedinidaeGenusMegaceryle
Giant kingfisher
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Giant kingfisher

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

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.

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Vision

Giant kingfisher has incredible eyesight that helps them spot tiny fish deep underwater even from above the surface.

Ability

Precision Dive

Giant kingfisher can plunge headfirst into water from great heights to catch slippery prey with amazing accuracy.

Ability

Strong Beak

Giant kingfisher has a powerful, dagger-like bill that helps them grip and subdue large, struggling fish and crustaceans.

Measurements & details

Length
42-46 cm
Wingspan
60-70 cm
Weight
0.25-0.425 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
25-27 days

Diet & Feeding

This big bird is a master diver, catching fish, crabs, and frogs in rivers.

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Crabs
  • Frogs
  • Aquatic insects
  • Crustaceans

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Nile Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

A common fish prey in its habitat.

hunts

River Crab

Potamonautes perlatus

Eats crabs found in river systems.

hunts

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Preys on frogs found near water.

eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

Can prey on kingfishers near water.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Giant kingfisher?

42-46 cm

What is Giant kingfisher's wingspan?

60-70 cm

How much does Giant kingfisher weigh?

0.25-0.425 kg

How long does Giant kingfisher live?

10-15 years

How fast can Giant kingfisher move?

35 km/h

What does Giant kingfisher eat?

This big bird is a master diver, catching fish, crabs, and frogs in rivers.

Where is Giant kingfisher usually found?

Wetlands

How does Giant kingfisher hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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