Kingfishers of Uganda: Species, Pied, Malachite, Giant and Where to Spot Them
Boat trips on the Kazinga Channel and Nile are the best way to see kingfishers.
Uganda has several kingfisher species. Pied, malachite and giant kingfishers fish along rivers and lakes; the woodland, grey-headed and African pygmy kingfishers live in forest and woodland.
The Kazinga Channel and the Nile at Murchison are the best places to see them from a boat. See Kazinga Channel, boat cruises and bird species guide.
This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda tours and safari packages.
At a glance
- Water species: Pied, malachite, giant
- Forest species: Pygmy, woodland
- Best viewing: Boat trips
- Where: Kazinga, Nile
Species to Look For
- Pied kingfisher: black and white, hovers over water.
- Malachite kingfisher: small and bright.
- Giant kingfisher: large with a chestnut chest.
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Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
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- Animals of Uganda and East Africa: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Big Five and Bird Fact Guides
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