Pied Kingfisher Pair Looking for Fish
It is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia from Turkey to India to China. This kingfisher feeds mainly on fish, although it will take crustaceans and large aquatic insects such as dragonfly larvae. It usually hunts by hovering over the water to detect prey, before diving vertically bill-first to capture fish. When not foraging, it has a straight rapid flight and have been observed flying at speeds approaching 50 km/h. This is a medium-sized kingfisher, about 25 cm long with a white with a black mask, a white supercilium and black breast bands. The crest is neat and the upperparts are barred in black.
Gambia, Kotu
Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.
Pied Kingfisher Pair Looking for Fish
It is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia from Turkey to India to China. This kingfisher feeds mainly on fish, although it will take crustaceans and large aquatic insects such as dragonfly larvae. It usually hunts by hovering over the water to detect prey, before diving vertically bill-first to capture fish. When not foraging, it has a straight rapid flight and have been observed flying at speeds approaching 50 km/h. This is a medium-sized kingfisher, about 25 cm long with a white with a black mask, a white supercilium and black breast bands. The crest is neat and the upperparts are barred in black.
Gambia, Kotu
Please don't use my images without my permission. All images © Aivar Mikko.