Some say these tiny flying gems are the most beautiful members of their species!
MEET THE AFRICAN PIGMY KINGFISHER
Photo (cropped) Courtesy of berniedup / CC BY-SA 2.0
The African pygmy kingfisher (Ispidina picta) is a small kingfisher measuring a mere 11 – 13 cm in length, little more than that of a sparrow. They wear rufous underparts and a blue back which extends all the way down to the tail. A dark blue crown is what differentiates it from the adult African Dwarf-Kingfisher. Having an otherwise orange face, they also have purple cheek marks and a white throat.
Photo Courtesy of Eric Gropp / CC BY 2.0
Males and females look exactly the same.
Juvenile birds have less purple on their ear coverts and a black bill instead of orange.
Photo Courtesy of berniedup / CC BY-SA 2.0
This bird is found throughout many countries in the afro-tropical regions of the African continent.
Photo Courtesy of Steve Garvie / CC BY-SA 2.0
These birds can be found throughout wooded areas, savanna and costel forests. Being an insectivorous kingfisher they are not bound to rivers or lakes.
Photo (cropped) Courtesy of fveronesi1 / CC BY-SA 2.0
As we mentioned African Dwarf Kingfisher are insectivorous birds, however, they will also dine on frogs and lizards if given the chance.
Photo Courtesy of Lip Kee / CC BY-SA 2.0
African Pygmy Kingfishers nest in burrows that are excavated by both sexes in banks or a termited nest. Around 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) long, a clutch of up to four to six white eggs is laid within. Both the male and female care for the young once they have hatched.
Photo Courtesy of Lip Kee / CC BY-SA 2.0
This bird is regarded as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Photo (cropped) Courtesy of fveronesi1 / CC BY-SA 2.0
The adjacent island nation of Madagascar also has a species of pygmy kingfisher, the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher.
Photo Courtesy of Frank.Vassen / CC BY 2.0
YOU CAN WATCH THIS BIRD RIGHT HERE IN THE VIDEO BELOW:
