The African dwarf kingfisher is a species of kingfisher in the Alcedininae subfamily.
Region
West and Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland evergreen forests of West and Central Africa, including primary and mature secondary rainforest. It favors dense, shaded understory near small streams, swamps, and seepage areas, but also forages along shaded forest trails. The species keeps close to the ground or low perches, often within a few meters of the forest floor. It avoids open habitats and is rarely seen outside intact or semi-intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The African dwarf kingfisher is among the smallest kingfishers in the world and the smallest in Africa. Despite the name 'kingfisher', it mostly hunts insects and other small invertebrates on the forest floor rather than fish. It keeps to the dim rainforest understory and is easily overlooked due to its quiet, secretive habits. Pairs typically nest in short tunnels excavated in earthen banks or termitaria.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and darting through understory
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense forest. Breeding pairs excavate a short tunnel in an earthen bank or termite mound where they lay and incubate eggs. Nesting and foraging mostly occur close to the ground with frequent short sallies from low perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched whistles and thin tseet notes given from concealed perches. Calls may be delivered in short series or brief trills, often difficult to locate in dense foliage.
Plumage
Compact kingfisher with deep cobalt-blue to violet-blue upperparts and a rich rufous-orange head and underparts; short tail. Often shows bright blue scapular patches and a small whitish throat spot.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as beetles, orthopterans, spiders, and caterpillars. Also takes small snails and occasionally tiny amphibians or lizards. Prey is usually spotted from a low perch and seized by sallying to the ground or foliage. Items are beaten against a perch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory of humid lowland forest, often along narrow trails, stream edges, and vine tangles. It avoids open water and rarely ventures into clearings, preferring dense cover.
