Scientific name: Alcedo cristata
The general color of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue. The head has a short crest of black and blue feathers, which gives rise to the scientific name. The face, cheeks, and underparts are rufous and there are white patches are on the throat and rear neck sides. The bill is black in young birds and reddish-orange in adults; the legs are bright red.
The Malachite kingfisher is common in many areas of southern Africa, living in a wide variety of aquatic habitats.
It feeds mainly on fish, as well as amphibians and insects.
