Bird · GBIF taxon 6095338
Malachite Kingfisher
Corythornis cristatusAlso known as African Malachite Kingfisher
Malachite kingfishers are tiny, brilliant wetland birds adorned with electric blue upperparts, rich rufous underparts, and a striking crested head. They perch quietly on low reeds or overhanging branches near slow-moving water, scanning the shallows before plunging down to spear small prey with their bright coral-red bills. After catching a tiny fish or frog, they return to their perch and beat it against a branch before swallowing it whole.
Jewel-tonedRiverinePiscivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Aquatic insects
- Tadpoles
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Snakes
- Monitor lizards
ThreatsWetland destruction, water pollution, and clearing of bankside vegetation
HabitatsRivers, lakes, swamps, lagoons, and reed beds
Life span3–7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAlcedinidae
- SpeciesCorythornis cristatus
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
- Spotting Technique: Look low along reed margins for a bright electric-blue flash flying fast over water.
- Observation Distance: Remain still on the bank, as they often return repeatedly to the same low perch.
- Behavior Cues: Watch for deliberate head-bobbing that helps them judge water depth before diving.
Competitor (c) Koshy Koshy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableCo-occurring Species Close Relative
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