Giant Kingfisher
Megaceryle maxima
Points
10
per confirmed sighting
BirdConservation status: Least ConcernCommon to spot
birds • Alcedinidae
Giant Kingfisher.
G
Megaceryle maxima
Category
birds
Family
Alcedinidae
Size
Body mass: approximately 325 g (EltonTraits).
Points
10 pts
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding giant kingfisher in its natural range.
Overview
How to identify it
Habitat
EltonTraits foraging-strata profile: below-surface aquatic foraging 80%, water-surface foraging 10%, ground foraging 10%.
Diet
EltonTraits diet profile: fish 60%; invertebrates 30%; ectothermic vertebrates 10%.
Behaviour
When to look
Not classified as primarily nocturnal in EltonTraits.
Where to see it
South Africa
AngolaSafety and etiquette
Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.
Verification and sources
1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.