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Malachite Kingfisher
Alcedo cristata
-26.2279, 31.9979
Field Notes
Description:
This is a small kingfisher, 13 centimetres (5.1 in) in length. When I approached the small pond (in a dry creek/small river bed) the Kingfisher became scared and flew away to some nearby branches. After waiting 10 minutes, it flew back and continued to catch some small fish in the pond, before it took off to the forrest.
Habitat:
High altitude dry savanna woodlands (prim. Acasia bushes). This was close to a dry creek-bed.
Notes:
This is a species common to reeds and aquatic vegetation near slow moving water or ponds. 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. It is largely resident except for seasonal climate related movements. This bird breeds all over Swaziland and is concidered to be common.
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