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Ceyx pictus |
Small is beautiful was never more true than for today's Taxon of the Day. Measuring around 12cm in length and weighing about 12g the African Pygmy Kingfisher or Ceyx pictus (Boddaert, 1783) is perfectly formed. One of seven species in the genus Ceyx this bird has a large range across sub-saharan Africa. This specimen was spotted in the Hluhluwe–Umfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa.
The etymology of Ceyx is from Greek mythology and pictus from Latin meaning painted which seems so appropriate as it looks as if it has been daubed by hand with a vibrant palette. However, the species prefers to feed on mainly insects rather than fish making the later part of its common name seem rather redundant.
To listen to call sounds of Ceyx species (unfortunately not our featured one) go to the fantastic website xeno-canto supported by the Catalogue of Life's future funders Naturalis.
To listen to call sounds of Ceyx species (unfortunately not our featured one) go to the fantastic website xeno-canto supported by the Catalogue of Life's future funders Naturalis.
CoL Annual Checklist: Ceyx pictus
CoL contributor: ITIS Global
Image copyright: R L F Matthias
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