The Giant Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher in Africa. It has a large crest and finely spotted white on black upperparts.

The male has a chestnut breast band and otherwise white underparts with dark flank barring.

The female has a white-spotted black breast band and chestnut belly.

The call is a loud wak wak wak.

Scientific name:

Megaceryle maxima

Common names:

Giant Kingfisher (English)
Reusevisvanger (Afrikaans)

Synonyms:

Megaceryle maximus

Roberts VII english name:

Giant Kingfisher

Roberts VII scientific name:

Megaceryle maximus

Family:

Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)

Length:

44cm

Weight:

364g

Diet:

This large species feeds mainly on fish, but also crabs, prawns and frogs, caught in the typical kingfisher way by a dive from a perch. They will also eat aquatic invertebrates.

Fish and frogs and other large prey are vigorously beaten against a solid object until dead, whilst large crabs have their carapaces dismembered before swallowing. Smaller crabs are swallowed whole.

Nesting:

Breeding season is from August to January.

A long (1 to 3 metre) nesting tunnel is excavated in a vertical bank near water by both parents.

3 to 5 eggs are laid and incubated by both parents for 25 to 27 days.

The nestling period is about 37 days when mainly the female feeds the young.

Natural distribution:

Giant Kingfishers are resident breeders over most of the continent of Africa south of the Sahara Desert other than the arid southwest.

Habitat:

Anywhere that has a water body with fish and perches from which to hunt, including rocky marine pools.