A MALACHITE KINGFISHER ON THE RUFIJI RIVER

A MALACHITE KINGFISHER ON THE RUFIJI RIVER

ALCEDO CRISTATA

Common resident. differs from the Pygmy Kingisher in having a turquoise cap which reaches the eyes, no mauve on the ear-covers. Young birds have blackish beaks. When flushed utters a shrill 'peep-peep'. Singly on almost any waters with fringing vegetation, perching low down on reeds, grasses, branches or rocks.

Taken from "Newmans's" - BIRDS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Although the pictures I took it on the Rufiji River in South Tanzania

The book I took the above description belongs to my son, Lamberto. This is the picture of what it is now, this book. He was four years old when he started bird watching being always with rangers on his holiday time. He wrote each time on the name of the bird he saw, the date and the place he first saw the bird. This way he remembers them all well. 

This was 2004 !