Bird · GBIF taxon 2475821
African Pygmy Kingfisher
Ispidina pictaAlso known as Pygmy Kingfisher
African pygmy kingfishers dart through open woodlands and wooded gardens, hunting terrestrial insects rather than fish. These tiny birds feature vivid violet-washed ear coverts, an orange belly, and a bright red bill designed for snatching grasshoppers from low perches. During the breeding season, pairs excavate short horizontal tunnels in dirt banks or termite mounds to rear their chicks.
InsectivorousWoodlandSmall Bird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Spiders
Predators
- Snakes
- Raptors
- Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat clearance, window strikes
HabitatsSavanna, open woodland, forest edges, gardens
Life span3–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAlcedinidae
- SpeciesIspidina picta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Perch Scanning: Look for tiny blue and orange birds sitting quietly on low branch perches inside shady thickets.
- Listen for Calls: Hear for high-pitched 'tsip-tsip' flight calls ringing along wooded pathways.
Similar Look Competitor Close Relative
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