- Megaceryle maxima
Other Names
German: Riesenfischer; Afrikaans: Reusevisvanger
Subspecies
There are two subspecies, Megaceryle maxima maxima, found in open country, and Megaceryle maxima gigantea in the rainforest. The forest race is darker, less spotted above, and more barred below than maxima, but the two forms intergrade along the forest edge zone.
Identification
At between 42 and 48 cm and up to 375 g (female) this is an impressively large Kingfisher. However it is shy and unobtrusive and therefore can be difficult to see. It has a large crest and finely spotted white on black upperparts. The male has a chestnut breast band and otherwise white underparts with dark flank barring, while the female has a white-spotted black breast band and chestnut belly.
Distribution
The Giant Kingfisher is a resident breeding bird over most of the continent south of the Sahara Desert other than the arid southwest.
Habitat
Almost any water body with sufficient food and overhanging branches, from which to hunt, including streams, rivers, estuaries, seashores and sewage ponds. Common along water furrows in villages in the South Karoo and at irrigation schemes.
Foraging & Food
This species feeds on crabs, fish, and frogs, caught in the typical kingfisher way by a dive from a perch, often immersing completely. The prey is then taken to perch and vigorously beaten against solid subject until dead.
Breeding
Monogamous, solitary nester. Breeding is from August to January in a hole excavated into sandbanks. 3-5 oval, white and glossy eggs are laid into these riverbank tunnels.
Bird Call
The call is a loud wak wak wak.
