The Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus cristatus) is a Sub-Saharan African bird. Malachite is a dark green mineral.

The Malachite Kingfisher has bright metallic blue upperparts with black bands, and a pale blue or green-blue forehead. Its head has a crest of black and blue feathers. Its face, cheeks, and underparts are rufous (red-brown), with white patches on its throat and neck. It has short, rounded wings.

It has a black beak when young, that turns red-orange in adulthood. Its legs are bright red.

 

The Malachite Kingfisher is a small kingfisher, measuring about 13 centimetres (5 inches) in length.

It lives close to rivers or ponds that have reeds and aquatic vegetation. It feeds on fish, insects and crabs.

The male and female Malachite Kingfisher make their nest, which is a tunnel in a sandy riverbank. Females lay 3-6 round, white eggs.

 

 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM