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Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source ↗
Malachite Kingfisher
Kuifkopvisvanger · Corythornis cristatus
A tiny, dazzling kingfisher with an electric-blue back, a ragged blue-and-black crest, rich orange underparts and a bright red bill. It perches low over still water, bobbing and watching, then dives headlong to seize small fish and insects. Despite its brilliant colours it can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Log your Malachite Kingfisher sighting — free →How to identify it
A tiny jewel of a kingfisher with a bright blue crown and back, orange underparts and a red bill, much smaller than a Pied Kingfisher.
Where to see it in Kruger
Perches on low reeds and twigs over quiet pans, dam edges and slow river channels.
Did you know
It is no bigger than a sparrow but plunges headfirst into the water to grab fish bigger than you'd believe.
Often confused with
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