Ceryle rudis
The Pied Kingfisher can be expected at almost any body of fresh or brackish water, and at times even at tidal pools, with suitable perches as vantage points from which it can hunt fish, tadpoles, frogs, crustaceans and aquatic insects, often hovering above the water before launching a diving attack. Large prey is pounded repeatedly against a favourite perch to kill it and soften it up before swallowing. They are usually seen in pairs or small family groups and have been recorded up to 5km from the nearest land over the open water of large lakes. With a weight of up to 110g, and a length of up to 25cm, it is the second biggest kingfisher found in South Africa.
Though nesting has been observed throughout the year, the breeding season of the Pied Kingfisher peaks in spring, when pairs nest in burrows of up to 2.5m long that they dig themselves in earth banks, with up to 7 eggs laid in a wide chamber at the end. Incubation takes about 18 days and is mainly the female’s responsibility. The chicks stay in the nest for another 3 to 4 weeks and then start to learn to hunt, becoming independent by about 3 months of age. Usually a pair has helpers from previous broods assisting in the feeding of the present clutch.
The IUCN considers the Pied Kingfisher to be of least concern, thanks to its wide distribution over Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and South-East Asia. It may be one of the three most numerous kinds of kingfishers, but some populations however are in decline due to poisoning and habitat loss, while others are thriving. In South Africa they are commonly found from the Western Cape and along the coast and adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape, through Kwazulu-Natal into Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West and the Free State. They also occur along the length of the Orange River in the otherwise arid Northern Cape.
DeWetsWild 
Jy moet tog vir ons ‘n paar swart en wit fotos wys! 😉
Is hulle dan nie al swart-en-wit genoeg nie, AJ?
😛
Jy’t ‘n punt daar beet! OK… dan noem ons hulle The B&W KF! 😉
It´s a very beautiful bird. It reminds of common kingfisher by the bodys.
They’re beautiful for sure, and not as shy as many of their cousins.
Hello. My sister has a lot of kingfishers living close to her farm dam. I think the Pied Kingfishers are the most numerous and I have seen them dive for the bass that are in the dam. She also has quite a few Malachite and Giant Kingfishers and its lovely to see the tiny ones near the larger kingfishers. Lovely photos and post as usual!
I am starting to think your sister must live as close to paradise as is possible. Does she open her farm to visitors? The Midlands is such a great destination and it seems she has a very special piece of it – a guest farm might be a great option!
I love Kingfishers. Great pictures.
Thanks Kathy – we love them too!
Marvellous shots Dries – in action – to catching prey. – and showing plumage juveniles – adult. Makes a great portfolio.
That’s very kind of you, thanks Liz!
Gorgeous kingfisher! The kingfishers are up there on the top of my list of favorite birds! They have such energy, spunk, and their chatter is amusing!
I’m sure there must be several spectacular species in your tropical part of the world, Lisa?
Yes, we have the Ringed kingfisher and the Geen kingfisher on the Pacific coast, but there is also one named Belted and another named Amazon and maybe one more…
They sound quite exotic!
This is a great looking kingfisher. I am always excited when I spot one where I live, though ours look a bit different.
The Kingfishers are a diverse and beautiful family!
Very handsome bird!
Black-and-white is always a winning combination!
That is quite a beak for a little bird.
And he uses it to great effect, wouldn’t you agree, Lois?
Handsome devil!
Absolutely!
Another kingfisher. Hurrah. I love the shot with the fish in its beak.
janet
I was very excited when that kingfisher posed so proudly with his catch, Janet!
So thoughtful of him. 🙂
Interesting that this water bird nests in earth burrows. Fantastic photos.
I also found that aspect baffling, Jet – imagine the process involved in digging a tunnel with a bill that unwieldy?