Magic

Sony A7iii, FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 576mm, S: 1/2000, A: F7.1, ISO: 12,800

The young pied kingfisher snaps at the falling stick below like a magician.

She appeared out of nowhere, like a magician about to perform a trick. She glanced my way, almost as if she wanted to check on me - her audience. With her beak waving, she began to flip the broken stick in the air above. She repeated this one way and then the other, throwing it high up and, as it almost fell past, catching it. Once caught, she would then twist it below her branch and lurch forward to complete this movement just in time. At one point, though, she missed a throw, and seemingly surprised by this, she flew down to dive it out of the placid marsh water beneath.

She returned happily to her overhead branch and carried on repeating the same sequence of throw and catch for some minutes. Soon it was getting dark, and her focus suddenly shifted. Eventually, she stopped altogether, quietly observing the waters around her location. She hopped and turned along the woody length and took one long look at me, perhaps to see if I had enjoyed her magical display. Seemingly satisfied, she took off into the early evening, continuing her journey of exploration and learning.

Young Pied Kingfishers Master the Art of Survival

The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is easily identifiable by its striking black and white plumage, which gives it a distinctive appearance. Males and females have slightly different markings; males sport double bands on their chests, while females have a single chest band that is often broken in the center.

Pied kingfishers are typically found near clear lakes, rivers, and streams, where they make their homes. These bodies of water provide the ideal habitat for these birds, offering abundant food sources and suitable nesting sites. Unlike some other birds, pied kingfishers are highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of aquatic settings (as long as there is a sufficient supply of small fish).

One of the most remarkable features of the Pied Kingfisher is its ability to hover in mid-air, a skill that is unique among birds of its size. This ability allows the Pied Kingfisher to remain stationary above the water while flapping its wings rapidly. This gives the bird a significant advantage when hunting for food. By hovering, the Pied Kingfisher can spot its prey from above and then dive down to catch it with pinpoint accuracy. Its hovering ability is so well developed that the Pied Kingfisher can even hunt over the open ocean, venturing a few kilometres or miles from the shore.

The main diet of the Pied Kingfisher consists predominantly of fish, which it catches with its sharp bill. In addition to fish, it also eats invertebrates and small amphibians, though these make up a smaller portion of its diet. When hunting, the Pied Kingfisher uses different techniques depending on the size of its prey. Smaller prey items are often caught and eaten in flight, allowing the bird to continue hunting without interruption. Larger prey, on the other hand, is typically brought back to a perch or a suitable landing spot where the bird can kill and consume it safely. Whether hunting over a calm lake, a flowing river, or the open ocean, the Pied Kingfisher is considered a versatile bird.

In terms of conservation status, the Pied Kingfisher is currently not considered to be at risk. Its widespread distribution and adaptability to different habitats have helped it maintain stable populations across its range. However, like many other species, it faces potential threats from habitat destruction and pollution. So protecting the natural habitats of these birds is essential to ensuring their continued survival and preserving the incredible diversity of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Feathered Friends Collection

Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.

Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe, and their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.