When we think of kingfishers, our immediate assumption is that they feed on aquatic creatures. However, as this interesting video shows, that is not always the case.
Contributor Dionne submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it at Lower Sabie Rest Camp in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
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Bird in a bush
Dionne’s video begins with a view of a bird in dense foliage. We immediately notice that it has something rather large in its beak.
The bird in question is a woodland kingfisher, one of the most beloved birds found in the Kruger National Park. These beautiful birds are summer migrants, arriving in November before returning to central Africa in April.
Prey identifed
Subsequently, the kingfisher bashes its prey against the branch on which it perches. It is then that we realise with some surprise what it has caught.
Although insufficient detail is available to identify the exact species, it is a bat. The species of bats identified at the camp include the Wahlberg’s Epauletted Fruit Bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi) and Angolan Free-tailed Bat (Mops condylurus).
Tree kingfishers
Now, you may be surprised to see a kingfisher eating a bat. After all, many people presume that all kingfishers eat mostly aquatic creatures.
However, these colourful birds belong to one of three subfamilies (types), known as tree kingfishers. This group typically inhabits wooded areas, often away from water. Specifically, woodland kingfishers most often frequent drier habitats, particularly where acacia (Vachellia) species are present.
As we watch, the bird continues to batter the bat against the branch. All kingfishers do this, and for reasons that go beyond killing or stunning their prey.
By repeatedly bashing prey, the birds effectively soften it by breaking bones, tenderising tissue, and weakening exoskeletons. It also helps position the prey headfirst before swallowing.
Unusual prey
Speaking of which, the bat is unusually large prey for the kingfisher, and its wings make it difficult for the bird to swallow it whole.
For the most part, their diet consists of insects, small reptiles, and mice. Occasionally, the feed on hatchlings, scorpions, and centipedes. So it is really unusual to see one eating a bat, although researchers have recorded it previously.
Hunting technique
Woodland kingfishers hunt with extreme patience. You’ll often see them perched on an open branch, carefully watching the ground below.
When they spot prey on the ground, they dive down and catch it. They also capture insects in mid-flight.
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Easily identified
As the bird turns around, we’re treated to a view of its beautiful, bright-blue back feathers. Other distinguishing markers include black shoulder feathers and a bold, black stripe through the eye.
They are also easily identified by their calls. One of the most distinctive vocalisations makes an unmistakable “Kip-kirrrrrrr” sound. This is commonly associated with a breeding display in which the perched bird holds its wing above its head.
Outcome uncertain
As Dionne’s video nears its end, the kingfisher continues to thrash the bat against the branch. Afterwards, it seems to try swallowing but fails.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to see whether it was successful in the end. Nonetheless, it’s a fascinating sighting of a rarely seen predation.