The blue-breasted kingfisher is a tree kingfisher widely distributed across Equatorial Africa. This kingfisher is essentially resident, but retreats from drier savanna areas to wetter habitats in the dry season.
Region
Equatorial West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and lowland forests and mangroves of West Africa through the Congo Basin into parts of Central Africa. Prefers dense gallery forests, swamp forests, and forest edges near rivers, creeks, and lagoons. It also uses plantations, wooded suburbs, and secondary growth where large trees and shaded perches are available. During the dry season it withdraws from open savannas to wetter riparian and forest habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A forest and mangrove kingfisher, it often perches quietly in shaded interiors before sallying out for prey. It commonly nests by excavating a tunnel into arboreal termite mounds. Although largely resident, it makes short seasonal shifts toward wetter habitats in the dry season. It tolerates secondary growth and plantations, provided mature trees and riparian cover remain.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short, rapid wingbeats; quick sallies between shaded perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs defending linear territories along watercourses. Breeding pairs excavate nest tunnels in arboreal termitaria or sometimes rotting wood. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud ringing trills and rattling, chattering series that carry far through forest. Dawn choruses can include antiphonal duets between mates.
