Page 14 - Cornwall Issue 2_2024

THE BIG PICTURE

THE MAGNIFICENT

MALACHITE KINGFISHER

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY IVAN MULLER

Well, I’ve been doing this most addictive hobby called the occasional small frog.
bird photography for over three years now and I’m still
thrilled to encounter a Malachite Kingfisher (Afrikaans: But the Malachite Kingfisher isn't just a pretty face.
Kuifkopvisvanger). These little flashes of colour brighten It's a skilled predator with a unique hunting technique.
up any photograph, and their active lifestyle makes Once it spots prey, it dives with impressive speed,
them captivating subjects. plunging headfirst into the water. Upon catching its
prize, it returns to its perch, and this is where the
Aptly named for its resemblance to the green gemstone, fascinating part begins. It doesn't swallow its fish whole
the bird isn't entirely cloaked in emerald hues. It is immediately. Instead, it delivers a powerful blow by
compact, around 13 cm long, and boasts a dazzling striking the fish against the branch or a rock. This stuns
display of colours. the prey, ensuring a quick kill before the bird swallows it
headfirst.
Its upper body shines with bright, metallic blue
plumage, while the under parts are a warm rufous, While their hunting style might seem brutal, it's an
with pops of white on the throat and neck. The key to effective adaptation that allows them to consume
its namesake lies in the crown – a short, electric blue prey that might be slightly larger than their throat. So
crest that resembles a precious malachite gemstone. next time you see a Malachite Kingfisher perched by
Even the bill, legs and tiny feet are reddish-orange, the water, remember the vibrant hunter beneath the
complementing the bird's overall vibrancy. beautiful plumage.

These feathered jewels favour habitats near water, Photographed by www.ivanmullerphotography.com at
particularly slow-moving streams, ponds and reed beds. the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Pretoria and at the
Here, they perch on low branches, acting like patient Malachite Bird Hide in Wilderness on the Garden Route.
hunters. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot prey Please have a look at my Instagram page – ivans.bird.
– mostly small fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects and even pics

12 Cornwall View • Issue 2 2024