Shot of the Month – October 2019

There are 114 species of kingfishers around the world and most are bright splashes of color with wings.  These small to medium size birds tend to specialize in catching fish though a few prefer insects.  All tend to have large heads, long, sharp pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails.  One of the most common kingfishers is the Pied Kingfisher as seen above.  Bright splash of color??  It seems that the Pied Kingfishers were at the back of the line when the colors were given out as they are rather penguin-esque decked out in their monochromatic black-and-white color scheme.  Click here to see a more colorful variety.

As shown below, Pied Kingfishers are exceptional hoverers — by flapping their wings rapidly they can stay in one place for an extended period time as they scan below looking for fish in the water.  They are actually the largest bird that can truly hover.  While hovering they have to keep their head perfectly still to judge the location of the fish below.  Here is a great video that explains the hunting technique of these skilled fliers.  And another good video here.

A fresh kill captured on film….Definitely will NOT need a bigger boat for this one.

The Pied Kingfisher can be found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia from Turkey to India to China.  I photographed this lovely chap in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

The Pied Kingfisher – what they lack in color they make up for it with true acrobatic talent and classic formal style and grace.

Until next month….m

Sources:

Wild Vagabond

Wikipedia

Nikon D500, Nikon 600 mm f/4 (@ f/5.6), 1/1500 sec, ISO 200, EV -0.5