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A photo of a Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)
Malachite Kingfisher

Malachite Kingfisher

Corythornis cristatus

The malachite kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) is a river kingfisher which is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara. It is largely resident except for seasonal climate-related movements. It is a small kingfisher, around 13 cm (5.1 in) in length. In Southern Africa, the reference size is 14cm and in East Africa and Ethiopia, 12cm. The general color of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue. The head has a short crest of black and blue feathers, which gives rise to the scientific name. The face, cheeks, and underparts are rufous and there are white patches on the throat and rear neck sides. The bill is black in young birds and reddish-orange in adults; the legs are bright red. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult.
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Malachite Kingfishers on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
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Tonia Devereux
Sunday 17 Sep 2023 - 2:15pm
Zambia
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Gilbert Reinhardt
Gilbert Reinhardt
Sunday 10 Sep 2023 - 12:56pm
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Quinton Paul Josop
Quinton Paul Josop
Monday 04 Sep 2023 - 9:24am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Quinton Paul Josop
Quinton Paul Josop
Saturday 02 Sep 2023 - 3:25pm
South Africa
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