Birds that fish? For me, that’s already a pretty cool concept. As someone who spends their time off with a fly fishing rod in hand, there’s something endlessly captivating about watching a bird execute what many of us spend years trying to master: precision, patience, and perfect timing.
It wasn’t too long ago that I spent an afternoon fishing, laughing as a comical Pied Kingfisher seemed to mock me, catching fish after fish while I landed absolutely nothing.
Londolozi Kingfishers
Over my time at Londolozi, I’ve been lucky to see a wide variety of kingfishers. While I’m still holding out hope for a sighting of the elusive Grey-headed Kingfisher, I’ve enjoyed regular encounters with the others: Half-collared, Giant, Pygmy, Brown-hooded, Woodland, Striped, Malachite—and, of course, the ever-present Pied.
The Pied Kingfisher
Of them all, the Pied Kingfisher is probably the most frequently seen. But despite its abundance, it never fails to impress. Unlike most kingfishers that perch and dive, the Pied is famous for something rather special—it hovers. Yes, hovers!
Watching one hold position in midair with rapid wingbeats before folding its wings and plunging into the water is nothing short of spectacular. It’s often cited as the largest bird in the world capable of sustained hovering, a feat made possible by its light body and unique wing structure.
Three for Three
Just a few mornings ago, we had front-row seats to an unforgettable performance. We’d stopped at Finfoot Crossing when a male Pied Kingfisher put on a clinic and went three for three in quick succession. Three dives, three fish. Each dive was a perfect demonstration of precision and timing.
From the moment he entered his hover to the final splashdown, every movement was deliberate. Within minutes, he’d caught three fish and carried them to a patch of sand nearby. The consistency was remarkable. I was so taken by the display that I returned t camp, curious to learn more about just how good these little fishermen really are.
A Pied Kingfisher hovers above Finfoot Crossing
The Science Behind the Splash
Studies show that Pied Kingfishers have a fishing success rate of around 35–40%, though this varies with prey size, light, and water clarity. That might sound modest, but it’s seriously impressive when you consider how much they’re up against.
A male Pied Kingfisher hovers over the water searching for a suitable target.
Light refraction bends and distorts the appearance of underwater prey, yet these birds still strike with incredible accuracy. Even more impressive—they instinctively adjust their angle of attack based on sun position and surface ripples, fine-tuning each dive to perfection.
I Know that Fellow
I also learned that Pied Kingfishers are quite territorial. It’s not uncommon to find the same pair occupying a familiar stretch of river, returning to their preferred perches day after day. They seem to have favourite fishing holes, and watching them patrol and defend these spots adds another layer to their already fascinating behaviour.
That put a smile on my face. I realised I’d probably been watching the same male for weeks now, showing off his skills and out-fishing me every time.
So next time you’re near a waterhole or riverbed, take a moment to scan the overhanging branches or look up at that hovering blur above the water. You might just witness one of nature’s most skilled and stylish fishermen doing what he does best.
They are wonderful birds, I have seen them from Southern Africa to East Africa to North Africa .
They are indeed!
Nic, Thanks for the great education on the Kingfishers! We are definitely going to look for them on our upcoming visit this week! Sorry that guy keeps out-fishing you!!!
Absolutely! I guess I’ll have to improve my craft to keep up.
That’s wonderful Nic, I’d love to see that. Maybe when I come back in November?
A great time of year for it as well Suzanne! See you then.
Great photos, Nic. I love watching Pied Kingfishers (and all the other kingfishers as well). It is really admirable how they can catch their fish. Londolozi has really good spots where you can watch these and lots of other birds, like the causeway.
You can get lost in time watching them. Thanks Christa.
too cute!
Thanks Anita
Hi Nic, you will have to up your fishing game if you want to compete with the Pied Kingfisher. Glad that you could have spent some time with him and noticed that it was the same Pied Kingfisher everytime. It is quite marvelous to see how they hover over the water looking g for fish. Thanks for the update on these amazing Kingfishers.
No doubt! Absolute pleasure Valmai
I find the Kingfishers captivating to watch as at times they appear to be blithely resting on a branch near a pan or the river, and as you get ready to dial in your settings, the bird takes off like a fighter pilot diving straight into the water, then emerging with its prized catch. A couple of favorites are the Malachite Kingfishers and the Woodlands for their coloration but there is a lot to be said for the Giant Kingfishers that love to perch in the bushes along the causeway scanning the water for any little fish that catches their eye.
Good luck with your fishing Nic, although your competition is tough out there!
I certainly have my work cut out for me! Thanks Denise.
Great blog edition Nic, I had to work on water bird behaviour and happened to observe the European Kingfisher, you have so many Kingfisher over there, as most birds they are beautiful and so interesting…. with birds entertainment is always assured…
Thanks Francesca. Totally agree!
Great story, Nic! I can just imagine that bird trying to “out fish” you! They are truly amazing!
Thanks Mary!