X-Nico

unusual facts about Malachite Kingfisher



Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve

Among the colourful family of kingfishers, who preferably occur near open water, the Woodland Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (Merops hirundineus), Giant Kingfisher (Ceryle maxima), Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) and the Blue-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica) are notable.

River kingfishers

However, molecular analysis suggests that the Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher is most closely related to the Malachite Kingfisher, and that the present arrangement into Alcedo and Ceyx may need to be reviewed as it seems not to reflect the actual relationships (for example, the Azure Kingfisher is closer to Ceyx erithacus).


see also