Species profile
About this species
The pygmy kingfisher is a small, brightly coloured bird found across sub-Saharan Africa, measuring just 12 cm in length. It displays vivid violet-blue upperparts, rufous underparts, & a distinctive violet wash behind the eye. Unlike many kingfishers, it is not strongly associated with water & is more commonly found in woodland & forest habitats.
Woodland, forest edges, thickets, & savanna with dense understorey vegetation across sub-Saharan Africa, often away from open water sources.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Pygmy kingfisher with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours provide the best light & activity levels. The species is most reliably encountered during the warmer wet season months when insects are abundant.
Position yourself near favoured perching spots such as low branches & dense undergrowth early in the morning when the bird is most active. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze any sudden movements or flight. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer is recommended to capture close detail without disturbing the bird.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Pygmy kingfisher
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.