Image via Macaulay Library
Giant Kingfisher
- Scientific name
- Megaceryle maxima
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Aquatic river
- Wing shape
- Broad
- Tail shape
- Square
Where it came from
The Giant Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher species found in sub-Saharan Africa, evolving to occupy a wide variety of habitats from dense forests to open water systems. Taxonomically classified as Megaceryle maxima, this bird developed its distinct physical characteristics—including a robust, broad-winged frame and a rigid, square-shaped tail—as specialized adaptations for its role as an apex predator among its kin. Its evolutionary lineage reflects a long-term specialization for hunting aquatic prey, allowing it to remain highly efficient in diverse ecological niches.
The species was first formally described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1769. Ornithological documentation of the bird often highlights its notable sexual dimorphism, particularly the unique plumage patterns where the female displays a chestnut breast band and the male a rufous one. Throughout the history of natural history illustration, the Giant Kingfisher has been favored by wildlife artists for its imposing stature and the striking contrast of its slate-grey plumage, serving as a primary representative of the Alcedinidae family in avian surveys across the African continent.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Giant Kingfisher
Giant Kingfisher is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Giant Kingfisher on collecto.rs?
Giant Kingfisher doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Giant Kingfisher?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Giant Kingfisher catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Giant Kingfisher is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
