African Pygmy Kingfisher look-alikes
Ispidina picta
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the African Pygmy Kingfisher. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Malachite Kingfisher
Corythornis cristata
Key differences
The Malachite Kingfisher is slightly larger, has a prominent crest, and is almost always found directly associated with water bodies, diving for fish. Its blue is often more turquoise, and it lacks the violet neck patch of the African Pygmy Kingfisher. The Malachite Kingfisher also has a black bill, unlike the red bill of the adult African Pygmy Kingfisher.
African Dwarf Kingfisher
Ispidina lecontei
Key differences
The African Dwarf Kingfisher is even smaller and found in dense rainforests of West and Central Africa. It has a darker, more purplish-blue upperparts, a more extensive rufous on the head, and lacks the distinct violet neck patch. Its bill is also blackish, not red.
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