GAMBIA BIRD SPECIES

Shining-blue Kingfisher

Alcedo quadribrachys

Overview

The Shining-blue Kingfisher is a scarce and highly desirable West African species. Its intense blue upperparts can flare brilliantly when a bird darts across a dark creek.

Identification

It is a compact, large-billed kingfisher with deep cobalt-blue upperparts, rich orange underparts and pale throat markings. It is larger and darker blue than the familiar Malachite Kingfisher and lacks that species’ obvious crest.

Habitat and behaviour

This kingfisher prefers shaded streams, forested pools, swamp edges and quiet river channels. It perches low over water and makes direct dashes between secluded feeding stations, taking small fish and aquatic animals.

Birdwatching in The Gambia

Central River Gambia wetlands and wooded waterways provide some of the most promising habitat. Sightings are often brief, and access by boat or on quiet forest paths may be required.

Field note

Watch low, shaded perches and be ready for a fast blue flash across the channel. Lamin Jobaate can include suitable riverine sites in an extended itinerary, balancing patient searching with other special birds of inland The Gambia.

Plan your birdwatching tour: Ask Lamin Jobaate about a private itinerary for this species and The Gambia’s other outstanding birds.