What to Know About the Malachite Kingfisher in Uganda?

The Malachite Kingfisher in Uganda is one of the Uganda Bird Species seen during Uganda birding Tours. It is a river kingfisher which is widely distributed in Africa particularly in the Royal mile of Budongo forest in Uganda.

It is largely resident except for seasonal climate related movements. The specific epithet cristata is from the Latin cristatus meaning “crested” or “plumed”.

The adjective “malachite” in the vernacular name normally refers to the dark green color of the copper containing mineral. It is a small bird with just 13cm in length.

How Does the Malachite Kingfisher in Uganda Look Like?

This is a small kingfisher, 13 cm in length. The general color of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue.

The head has a short crest of black and blue feathers, which gives rise to the scientific name. The face, cheeks and underparts are rufous and there are white patches on the throat and rear neck sides.

The bill is black in young birds and reddish orange in adults; the legs are bright red. Males and females look alike, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult.

The flight of the Malachite Kingfisher is rapid, the short-rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies low over water.

How Does the Malachite Kingfisher in Uganda Sing and Make Calls?

The call of this kingfisher is then a short shrill seek. The breeding song is a chuckling li-cha-cha-chui-chui.

How Does the Malachite Kingfisher in Uganda Feed?

The bird has regular perches or stands from which it fishes. These are usually low over the water. It sits upright, its tail pointed downwards.

It drops suddenly with a splash and usually returns at once with a struggling captive. Large food items are beaten on a bough or rail; small fish and insects are promptly swallowed.

A fish is usually lifted and carried by its middle, but its position is changed, sometimes by tossing it into the air, before it is swallowed head downwards. Fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans are eaten.

How Does the Malachite Kingfisher in Uganda Breed?

The nest is a tunnel in a sandy bank, usually over water. Both birds excavate. Most burrows incline upward before the nesting chamber is reached.

Three or four clutches of three to six round, white eggs are placed on a litter of fish bones and disgorged pellets.