African Wildlife & Environment Issue 79

WEARING A BRA OR A BOW TIE? The Pied Kingfisher can often be seen hovering and then plunging into the water after a small fish. The colouration of the Pied Kingfisher makes it easy to see who is a He and who is a She. The female has a single band across the chest that looks like a bra and the male has a double band that resembles a bow tie. Can you spot which is which?

Photograph: JohnWesson

Take a listen

Photograph:Albert Froneman

The Pied Kingfisher is the only black and white kingfisher that occurs in South Africa.

THE GIANT OF THE RIVER The Giant Kingfisher is one of the world’s largest water kingfishers. It can catch fairly large fish but prefers a diet of crabs and platannas. It is five times the size of a Pied Kingfisher and is a noisy bird, take a listen to its call. It is easy to tell who the male is and who is the female Giant Kingfisher.The male wears a brown top and the female wears brown bottoms.You can see who wears the trousers in this family!

Take a listen

Photograph: JohnWesson

PYGMY KINGFISHER The Pygmy Kingfisher is the smallest kingfisher in South Africa and is such a beautiful little bird.They build their nests in sandbanks but have a fondness for building the nest in the roof of an aardvark burrow and even termite mound. Interesting neighbours indeed.

Photographs:Albert Froneman

GET BUSHWISE WITH NADINE

This bumper edition, of Get Bushwise: On Safari Desert, River, Bushveld comprising three lively children's nature guides, brings together a treasure trove of information, colourful images, games and activities for young readers. A local guide leads adventurers on safaris into three surprisingly varied worlds: the

bushveld, a river and a desert. Each environment brings its unique flavour to the adventure; multiple images (both photos and illustrations) and interesting text introduce the region's fascinating wildlife with its intriguing habits and lifestyles. Readers are encouraged to play along by means of engaging activities, games and quizzes, with answers at the end of each section. Nature's edible treats and useful props are introduced, along with survival techniques for the young explorer. Click here for more info

Photograph: JohnWesson

56 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 79 (2021)