Grey Headed Kingfisher.
16th February 2026
A widespread colourful Kingfisher, with a pale grey head, black mantle and back, bright blue rump, wings and tail, chestnut underparts and a large red beak. It grows to around eight inches.
These birds are found across large parts of Africa and southern Arabia.
Typically from Mauritania, through Senegal and The Gambia in the west, to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and south all the way to South Africa. It is also found off the African coast in the Cape Verde islands and Zanzibar.
Present in the Arabian Peninsula e.g. in Yemen, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
A dry-country kingfisher of scrub and woodland, often found near water, but is not aquatic. Perches on a branch, unmoving for long periods while watching the ground for signs of insects or small lizards.
Although widespread, it remains, personally an uncommonly found kingfisher. I just encounter the odd bird here and there.
These birds are found across large parts of Africa and southern Arabia.
Typically from Mauritania, through Senegal and The Gambia in the west, to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and south all the way to South Africa. It is also found off the African coast in the Cape Verde islands and Zanzibar.
Present in the Arabian Peninsula e.g. in Yemen, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
A dry-country kingfisher of scrub and woodland, often found near water, but is not aquatic. Perches on a branch, unmoving for long periods while watching the ground for signs of insects or small lizards.
Although widespread, it remains, personally an uncommonly found kingfisher. I just encounter the odd bird here and there.