Saturday, March 23

The Amazing Pied Kingfisher

The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is our only kingfisher that habitually hunts from a hovering position.

It is reputed to be the world's longest bird (measured from bill to tail) that is capable of sustained hovering in still air. (1)

Whenever we happen upon stretches of shallow water I always keep an eye out for the distinctive pale shape hovering in mid air.

Recently I was fortunate enough to be in a position where I could get some reasonable pictures of this kingfisher hovering.

I hope you like them as much as I do!



(1) Carnaby, Trevor; Beat about the Bush - Birds, Jacana 2008