BROWN-HOODED KINGFISHER

January 2021 | Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa

Perched in the open woodlands of southern Africa, the brown-hooded kingfisher is more often heard than seen, its sharp call echoing through the bush. Though it belongs to a family of fishing birds, this one prefers insects and small prey over water hunts. Caught in a rare still moment, this wild beauty showed off its rich chestnut crown, pale blue wings, and watchful eye.