Grey-headed Kingfisher
The kingfisher family is found multiple times in Africa. One member of the kingfisher family is the Grey-headed Kingfisher. It is most commonly encountered south of the Sahara and also in Egypt. However, it can also be found in Turkey, Syria and Israel…
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Allein die Familie der Eisvögel is in Africa multiple times found. A member of the Eisvogel family is the Graufischer. One meets him most frequently south of the Sahara and also in Egypt. He is also found in Turkey, Syria and Israel as well as Sri Lanka and South China.
Appearance
The plumage of the Graufischer is beautiful, black and white patterned. The legs are black-grey and he has a strong black beak. With his around twenty-five centimeters body length he belongs to the larger specimens of the Eisvögel. The striking black and white pattern makes this kingfisher unique and this is what makes him unmistakable.
Breeding
He builds his nest in very different places. Mostly, however, the Graufischer nests in cliffs and steep banks. Occasionally he also nests far away from water. He digs tunnels in sand hills or builds his nest in road embankments. Graufischer couples usually stay together for their whole life. Once a year there is offspring. The female lays four to six eggs and immediately starts incubating them. When incubating the laid eggs, the male and female take turns. Both partners also provide food for the young. Together the parents take care of their young until they leave the nest.
Food
The Graufischer is a very skillful hunter. He preferably feeds on fish. His prey includes fish up to eleven centimeters in length. On the menu of the Graufischer are also termites and insects found near water. He searches and hunts his prey similar to a kestrel. Graufischers are diurnal birds and are considered very trusting. They are also very sociable and communicative. They use ten different calls.
