Some say these tiny flying gems are the most beautiful members of their species!

Meet the African Pigmy Kingfisher

Photo (cropped) Courtesy of berniedup / CC BY-SA 2.0

The African pygmy kingfisher (Ispidina picta) is a small kingfisher measuring a mere 11 – 13 cm in length, little more than that of a sparrow. They wear rufous underparts and a blue back which extends all the way down to the tail. A dark blue crown is what differentiates it from the adult African Dwarf-Kingfisher. Having an otherwise orange face, they also have purple cheek marks and a white throat.

Photo Courtesy of Eric Gropp / CC BY 2.0

Males and females look exactly the same.

Juvenile birds have less purple on their ear coverts and a black bill instead of orange.

Photo Courtesy of berniedup / CC BY-SA 2.0

This bird is found throughout many countries in the afro-tropical regions of the African continent.

Photo Courtesy of Steve Garvie /  CC BY-SA 2.0

These birds can be found throughout wooded areas, savanna and costel forests. Being an insectivorous kingfisher they are not bound to rivers or lakes.

Photo (cropped) Courtesy of fveronesi1 / CC BY-SA 2.0

As we mentioned African Dwarf Kingfisher are insectivorous birds, however, they will also dine on frogs and lizards if given the chance.

Photo Courtesy of Lip Kee / CC BY-SA 2.0

African Pygmy Kingfishers nest in burrows that are excavated by both sexes in banks or a termited nest. Around 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) long, a clutch of up to four to six white eggs is laid within. Both the male and female care for the young once they have hatched.

Photo Courtesy of Lip Kee / CC BY-SA 2.0

This bird is regarded as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Photo (cropped) Courtesy of fveronesi1 / CC BY-SA 2.0

The adjacent island nation of Madagascar also has a species of pygmy kingfisher, the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher.

Photo Courtesy of Frank.Vassen / CC BY 2.0

You can watch this bird right here in the video below: