Birds
Malachite Kingfisher
Corythornis cristatus · also called malachite kingfishers
Perched low over still water with a spiky crest catching the light, a malachite kingfisher packs vivid turquoise and orange plumage into one of the smallest kingfishers in Africa, a tiny jewel that ranks among the continent’s most photographed birds.
Overview
The malachite kingfisher, Corythornis cristatus, is a tiny, vividly coloured kingfisher native to wetland habitat across sub-Saharan Africa. Its striking turquoise back and orange underparts, small spiky crest, and status as one of the smallest kingfishers on the continent make it one of the most visually celebrated and frequently photographed small birds found anywhere in Africa.
A jewel-sized hunter
Despite its tiny size, the malachite kingfisher hunts with the same precision as its much larger relatives, watching patiently from a low perch before diving on small fish and aquatic insects near the water’s surface.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable wetland habitat throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Malachite Kingfisher: common questions
Why is the malachite kingfisher so heavily photographed?
This species has a vivid turquoise back and bright orange underparts, a combination of colours that makes it one of the most visually striking small birds in Africa, drawing constant attention from photographers and birdwatchers alike.
How small is the malachite kingfisher?
This species is one of the smallest kingfishers found in Africa, considerably tinier than larger relatives such as the giant kingfisher, despite sharing the same fish-hunting lifestyle.
Where does the malachite kingfisher like to perch?
This species typically perches low over still or slow-moving water, favouring reeds and low branches close to the surface where it can watch for small fish and aquatic insects passing below.
What does the malachite kingfisher's crest look like?
This species has a short, spiky crest on its head, a feature that adds to its already jewel-like appearance alongside its vivid turquoise and orange plumage.