Grey-Headed Kingfisher

English Name Grey-Headed Kingfisher Afrikaans Name Gryskopvisvanger Photographer Pierre Louw Location Lumwana Mine Lease Elna’s Notes The grey head and chestnut belly are diagnostic. Their size is 20-21 cm and sexes are alike. They are a locally common resident breeding intra-African migrant. They frequent well developed broad-leafed woodland and savanna, usually near water but are non-aquatic. They are either solitary or in pairs and would perch for long periods on a branch, scanning the ground below. They beat large prey on the perch before swallowing it. They migrate at night and are often killed by flying into buildings. They eat insects and lizards. Nestlings are fed by both parents. We found this one last September when we went for a drive on the mine lease. He sat quietly for a long time so we could really get a good look at him.

Pied Kingfisher

English Name Pied Kingfisher Afrikaans Name Bontvisvanger Photographer Henk Diederichs Location Diversion Channel DD1/1 Elna's Notes They are found over most of Africa and habitats include different water sources such as fresh water, coastal lagoons and tidal pools. They perch or hover over the water with its body almost vertical and the head and beak pointed downwards. They eat mostly fish but also crustaceans and insects. They are known to hunt up to 5km from water sources. They are the only black and white kingfisher in the region. Their status is "Common". We have quite a few of them around, especially at the dam area on site.