African Pygmy Kingfisher

The African pygmy kingfisher (Ispidina picta) is a diminutive avian jewel of the Afrotropics, measuring a mere 12 cm in length. Both males and females are similarly adorned with rufous underparts and a striking blue back that cascades down to the tail. A dark blue crown sets the adult apart from its relative, the African dwarf kingfisher.

Identification Tips

To distinguish this species, look for the violet wash on the ear coverts and its smaller stature compared to the malachite kingfisher. The subspecies I. p. natalensis, found in the southern reaches of its range, features paler underparts and a distinctive blue spot above the white ear patch. Juveniles present a less pronounced violet on their ear coverts and a black bill, rather than the orange bill seen in adults.

Habitat

The African pygmy kingfisher is not a bird of the water's edge but rather frequents woodlands, savannas, and coastal forests. It thrives in these terrestrial habitats, often observed alone or in pairs, and tends to be secretive and unobtrusive in its behavior.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, commonly residing as a resident and intra-African migrant. It is notably absent from the arid western regions of Southern Africa and much of the Horn of Africa.

Behaviour

The African pygmy kingfisher is a solitary creature, often found alone or in pairs. Its elusive nature makes it a delightful surprise to spot in the wild.

Song & Calls

The call of this kingfisher is a high-pitched, insect-like "tsip-tsip" that can be heard during its flight, adding a sonic sparkle to its visual splendor.

Breeding

Both sexes of the African pygmy kingfisher partake in the construction of their nest—a burrow in sandy soil banks or termite nests. They lay clutches of four to six pristine white eggs and are known to raise several broods within a single year, with both parents tending to the young.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivore by nature, the African pygmy kingfisher's diet is composed of grasshoppers, praying mantises, worms, crickets, dragonflies, cockroaches, moths, and a significant portion of spiders. It also consumes geckos, lizards comparable to its own length, small frogs, and occasionally, small crabs. Prey is typically hunted from low perches and subdued by crushing in the beak or beating against the perch.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the African pygmy kingfisher as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.