Giant kingfisher

The giant kingfisher, Africa's largest kingfisher, can be found throughout the continent south of the Sahara Desert, with the exception of the arid southwestern regions. First described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1769, this bird belongs to the genus Megaceryle. There are two notable subspecies: M. m. maxima, typically found in wooded savannas, and M. m. gigantea, which inhabits tropical rainforests.

This remarkable bird measures between 42 to 46 cm in length. It is characterized by a distinctive shaggy crest, a large black bill, and black upperparts adorned with white spots. The male giant kingfisher is identified by a chestnut-colored band across its chest, whereas the female bears a white-spotted black band on her chest and a chestnut belly. Their call is a loud, repetitive "wak wak wak."

The breeding season for the giant kingfisher generally spans from August to March, varying by region. These birds are monogamous and build their nests in riverbanks. They excavate a long horizontal tunnel, which can extend up to 8.5 meters, ending in a chamber where they lay approximately three eggs.

In terms of diet, giant kingfishers primarily hunt crabs, fish, and frogs. They catch their prey by diving from a perch into the water.