MyKrugerHoliday
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source ↗
Giant Kingfisher
Reusevisvanger · Megaceryle maxima
The largest kingfisher in Africa, the Giant Kingfisher is about the size of a crow, with a shaggy crest and a huge dagger-like bill. It is dark above with a chestnut chest and white-speckled wings. From a perch over the water it watches for fish and crabs, then plunges down to seize them in its powerful bill.
Log your Giant Kingfisher sighting — free →How to identify it
Its crow-sized body, shaggy crest and large black bill make it far bigger than any other kingfisher here.
Listen for its call
A loud, harsh 'kahk-kah-kah-kah' cackle as it flies low along the river.
Where to see it in Kruger
Look along quieter, well-wooded stretches of the Sabie, Olifants and Luvuvhu Rivers.
Did you know
It is Africa's biggest kingfisher, roughly the size of a crow, and strong enough to catch crabs!
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