Pied Kingfisher
Zambia, Africa
The Pied Kingfisher widely distributed across the African continent near water bodies. Being a piscivore, they dive to catch a fish meal, but unlike most other kingfishers, it can sustain a stationary hover over open water. It is the largest bird in the world capable of a true, sustained hover without relying on air currents. Also unique is that it can swallow small fish while in flight, allowing it to hunt far from shore where no perches are available.
Pied Kingfishers are gregarious birds, often found in pairs or small family groups. They form large communal roosts at night, sometimes consisting of over 100 individuals. They are known for cooperative breeding, where non-breeding helpers (often previous offspring) assist the parent pair in defending the nest and feeding the young.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.
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