Pied Kingfisher

Bontvisvanger · Ceryle rudis

This black-and-white kingfisher has a special superpower: it can hover in one spot in mid-air, wings beating fast, while it searches the water below. The moment it spots a fish, it folds its wings and dives straight in like an arrow. It is one of the few birds in the world that can hover over open water to hunt.

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How to identify it

Look for the crisp black-and-white pattern and its trademark hovering over the water before diving.

Listen for its call

A sharp, chittering 'chik-chik' rattle as it hovers and dives over the water.

Where to see it in Kruger

Common along all the major rivers and dams, including the Sabie, Olifants and Crocodile Rivers.

Did you know

It can hover perfectly still in the air, even with no perch nearby, then plunge straight down to grab a fish!

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