Kingfisher Species Photo Gallery The Common Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) are known by other names: the European Kingfisher, the Eurasian Kingfisher and the River Kingfisher. The river kingfishers are one of the three families of bird in the kingfisher group. The Pygmy kingfisher is only slightly larger than Dwarf kingfisher which occurs in central and West Africa and is the smallest of its species in the world. Eastern Asia and Australasia are the kingfisher Meccas of the world, having respectively 25 and 31 species. Fishing Kingfishers The truly aquatic kingfishers are represented in Southern and East Africa by the tiny Malachite Kingfisher, the similar but larger Half-collared Kingfisher, the impressive Giant Kingfisher and the gregarious Pied Kingfisher. The second largest of the five species is the Amazon Kingfisher … By derivative work: Snowmanradio (talk)Megaceryle_maxima_-Zimbabwe-8.jpg: Brian Gratwicke [ CC BY 2.0 or CC BY 2.0 ], via ... As its name implies, the giant kingfisher is Africa’s largest kingfisher species. Fishing Kingfishers In Southern and East Africa, the truly aquatic kingfishers are the tiny Malachite kingfisher, the similar but larger Half-collared kingfisher, the impressive Giant kingfisher and the gregarious pied kingfisher. South Africa is a large country, ranked 25th by size in the world, and is situated in the temperate latitudes and subtropics. The Sixteen of the 87 species occur in Africa. Kingfishers are omnivores, but insect make up a large part of their diet. Amazon Kingfisher. Alcedo cristata - The Malachite Kingfisher. Of these 16, all except Pied, Grey-hooded and River kingfishers are confined to the continent. They vary in size from the minute 12 cm pygmy kingfisher to the 45 cm large Giant kingfisher. It dives from its … It has now increased its range north to along the lower Rio Grande River valley in Texas in the United States. Some of the different types of birds with pictures and names will help you explore and learn and more about them. The very many different types of birds attest how beautiful our ecology is. They are also found in the Western Cape of South Africa. The seven subspecies of the Common Kingfisher claim a wide distribution across Europe, Asia and North Africa. Africa has 18 species, ten of which occur in Southern and East Africa. Belted Kingfisher Most species of kingfisher are found in Old World in Australia, Asia and Africa. Kingfishers are conspicuous birds in the Lowveld thanks to their bright colours and noisy, active habits. They are f ound throughout South and Central America even as far south as Tierra del Fuego. All but one species of kingfisher are diurnal. The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue. Images Source: pixabay.com, 24, 25. The bird’s list above contains all kinds of birds that we know and don’t know of. More commonly known Kingfisher species: Common Kingfisher aka Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher . There are 10 species of kingfisher in Southern Africa and they range in size from the tiny Pygmy Kingfisher at one extreme to surprise! This list incorporates the mainland and nearshore islands and waters only. Meet the Colorful Kingfishers of Southern Africa. These subspecies claim a wide distribution across Europe, Asia and North Africa. The nominate race is found in Italy. The Brown-hooded Kingfisher is probably the most common species of kingfisher in southern Africa. Africa has 18 species, ten of which occur in Southern and East Africa. The face, cheeks and underparts are rufous and there are white patches on the throat and rear neck sides. There are ten species that occur in southern Africa of which nine occur in the Lowveld (seven commonly so). There are ten species that occur in southern Africa of which nine occur in the Lowveld (seven commonly so). The Pygmy kingfisher is the smallest in the region and grows to about 12 centimeters (just under four inches) and weighs about 13 grammes (half an ounce). Distribution / Habitat: These tiny Kingfishers have seven recognized subspecies. Kingfishers enjoy well-wooded areas in the vicinity of water but not all kingfishers fish! They live in tropical forested areas near water. Six species are found in the New World. There are 86 kingfisher species throughout the world. Not quite as colorful as the previous three species, but still one of my favorites. Due to a range of climate types present, a patchwork of unique habitat types occur, which contribute to its biodiversity and level of endemism. The family is widespread through Africa, through east and south Asia as far as Australia, with one species, the also appearing in Europe and northern Asia. Giant Kingfisher. Our bird list includes confirmed sightings of 296 different species. Kariega Game Reserve is home to a large variety of birds.