The half-collared kingfisher is a kingfisher in the subfamily Alcedininae that is found in southern and eastern Africa. It feeds almost exclusively on fish and frequents streams, rivers and larger bodies of water with dense shoreline vegetation.
Region
Southern and Eastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs along clear, shaded rivers and streams with dense overhanging vegetation, forested ravines, and well-vegetated lake or dam margins. It favors rocky or sandy banks suitable for burrow nesting and perches low over water on branches or boulders. Most frequently found in wooded riparian corridors and gorges, and locally around large wetlands with clear margins. It avoids turbid, heavily disturbed waters and areas with sparse bank cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sleek river specialist is larger and darker than the similar Malachite Kingfisher and shows a distinctive white 'half-collar' on the side of the neck. It is highly tied to clear, unpolluted streams and is considered an indicator of healthy riparian ecosystems. Pairs tunnel nesting burrows into vertical riverbanks and defend linear stretches of water. It often hunts from low perches, diving precisely onto small fish.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season, defending linear stretches of river. Breeding pairs excavate a horizontal tunnel in a vertical riverbank, ending in a nesting chamber where 3–5 eggs are laid. Both sexes incubate and feed the young, bringing fish to the burrow. Fledglings remain near the natal stretch before dispersing along waterways.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, high-pitched piping whistles, often a repeated tsiip or seee given in flight. Calls are clear and penetrating, carrying along river corridors. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and when pairs are interacting.
