Kingfisher (Blue-breasted)

The Blue-breasted Kingfisher, is a tree kingfisher which is widely distributed in tropical west Africa. This is a large kingfisher, 25 cm in length. The adult has a bright blue head, back, wing panel and tail. Its under parts are white, but it has a blue breast band. It has a striking display in which the wings are spread to show the white linings. The shoulders are black. The large bill has a red upper mandible and black lower mandible. The legs are bright red. The flight of the Blue-breasted Kingfisher is rapid and direct.

Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller than adults. It perches on a tree branch quietly in the deep shade while seeking food. It is territorial but always on guard. This species mainly hunts large insects, arthropods, fish and frogs, but will also eat the fruit of the Oil Palm.

The nest is a hole in a tree termite nest. A single clutch of two round white eggs is typical.

Photographed at Bird Kingdom, Niagara Falls, Ontario