Shining-blue Kingfisher

Schillereisvogel (Alcedo quadribrachys )

The Schillereisvogel (Alcedo quadribrachys ) is an African kingfisher.

Features

The 16 cm long Schiller Kingfisher is similar to the European kingfisher. It is characterized by a black beak, a ultramarine - blue head, dark blue upper wing, a white throat and breast, a belly and underwings in reddish color.

Occurrence

The Schillereisvogel occurs in the tropical rain forests of West and Central Africa. There are known two subspecies: The distribution area of Alcedo q. quadribrachys extends into West Africa from Senegal to Nigeria, while the incidence of Alcedo q. guentheri of south-west Nigeria to Lake Victoria in the east and in the south to Zambia and Angola to the northern ranges.

Behavior and food

The Schillereisvogel is a highseat. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects.