Giant Kingfisher

Megaceryle maxima

The Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) is a large, distinctive kingfisher species found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its striking appearance, with a slate-blue head, white throat, and chestnut belly. This species is often found near slow-moving rivers, streams, and lakes, where it perches on overhanging branches or rocks, waiting to plunge into the water to catch fish. The Giant Kingfisher is a solitary bird and is typically seen in pairs during the breeding season. It builds its nest in riverbanks, using tunnels that can be up to 1.5 meters long. This species is known for its loud, cackling call that echoes across its watery habitat.

Habitat: Rivers, streams, and lakes

Giant Kingfisher
© Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Tours where you can spot this bird

Mukungwa River Birding Trail with Roger Irakoze
Mukungwa River Birding Trail with Roger Irakoze
Rwanda / Musanze Private tour 5h

Private riverine birding walk for waterbirds, kingfishers and active photography around Mukungwa River....

From 25.00 USD
15-Day Luxury Birding Safari in Tanzania with Wings Explorers Tours
15-Day Luxury Birding Safari in Tanzania with Wings Explorers Tours
Tanzania / Arusha Private tour 15 days | 0h

A 15-day luxury Tanzania birding safari from Arusha to Arusha National Park, Mkomazi, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti....

From 20420.00 USD
14-Day Senegal and Gambia Combined Birdwatching Trip with Turaco Birding
14-Day Senegal and Gambia Combined Birdwatching Trip with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / Senegal and The Gambia Private tour 14 days | 0h

A combined 14-day Senegambia birdwatching trip linking Turaco Birding routes in The Gambia and Senegal....

From 0.00 USD
10-Day Senegal Birdwatching Trip with Turaco Birding
10-Day Senegal Birdwatching Trip with Turaco Birding
Senegal / Senegal Private tour 10 days | 0h

An all-inclusive 10-day Senegal birdwatching trip operated by Turaco Birding from its Senegambia birding program....

From 0.00 USD
10-Day Birdwatching Trip in The Gambia with Turaco Birding
10-Day Birdwatching Trip in The Gambia with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / The Gambia Private tour 10 days | 0h

An all-inclusive 10-day Turaco Birding trip through The Gambia for coastal, wetland, river and up-country birding....

From 0.00 USD
Birds and Breakfast at Lamin Lodge with Abuko Birding
Birds and Breakfast at Lamin Lodge with Abuko Birding
The Gambia / Lamin and Abuko Private tour 7h

An early Birds and Breakfast outing with coffee at Lamin Lodge, rice-field birding and Abuko Nature Reserve....

From 0.00 USD
Full-Day Gambia Birdwatching Trips with Turaco Birding
Full-Day Gambia Birdwatching Trips with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / Greater Banjul Coast Private tour 11h

A full-day Turaco Birding option from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM combining coastal forests, wetlands, creeks and woodland sites....

From 0.00 USD
Half-Day Coastal Birdwatching Trips with Turaco Birding
Half-Day Coastal Birdwatching Trips with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / Greater Banjul Coast Private tour 5.5h

A half-day private birdwatching option covering Abuko, Farasutu, Brufut Woods, Pirang/Bonto, Kartong, Kotu Creek or Marakissa....

From 0.00 USD
Tendaba and Basse 4-Day Birding Excursion with Turaco Birding
Tendaba and Basse 4-Day Birding Excursion with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / Tendaba and Basse Private tour 4 days | 0h

A four-day Turaco Birding route from the coast toward Tendaba and Basse for river, woodland and up-country birding....

From 0.00 USD
14 Day Comprehensive Nature Adventure Birding- Gambia-Senegal
14 Day Comprehensive Nature Adventure Birding- Gambia-Senegal
The Gambia Group tour 14 days | 0h

Experience an unforgettable 14-day birdwatching adventure in The Gambia and Senegal, exploring some of West Africa’s richest and most dive...

From 2000.00 EUR