Mangrove kingfisher (Halcyon senegaloides)

The Mangrove kingfisher is best recognized by its brilliant azure back, rump, tail and wings, particularly in flight. ‘Shoulders' and wing tips are black. The head, neck and upper breast are a pale grey, while the flanks, lower breast and undertail coverts are very pale grey/white. The bird has an all-red bill (cf. black lower mandible of the very similar Woodland kingfisher) and sexes are alike. This kingfisher is a local migrant, spending the non-breeding season in KZN coastal mangroves and migrating inland or to the Eastern Cape coast for the summer breeding season.

Mangrove kingfishers are uncommon, and there are probably less than 200 birds occurring in South Africa. Although the population is small in SA, the species' distribution stretches all the way up the Eastern seaboard to Somalia, and hence the Mangrove kingfisher is not considered a globally threatened species. In South Africa, the most reliable site to see this bird is at Umlalazi Nature Reserve from March – October.

The Mangrove kingfisher has been listed as Vulnerable.

Directions

Follow the N2 North from Durban and take the Mtunzini off-ramp at the Mtunzini toll plaza. Turn right at the stop-street towards the town of Mtunzini, and turn right opposite the Spar shop and follow the road to the reserve. From the entrance gate drive straight towards the lagoon, passing the chalets and camp sites on the right. At the lagoon, park and look for the start of the Mangrove Forest trail. This trail is short, about 15 mins, so take a slow stroll along the path looking and listening for the kingfisher. Early mornings in August or early September are best, when the birds are especially vocal and conspicuous.

Umlalazi Nature Reserve is open daily from 05h00 – 22h00 and an entry fee of R10 per person.

GPS Coordinates

Location	Latitude	Longitude
Entrance gate	28°57'14.73"S	31°45'59.65"E
Lagoon parking area	28°57'18.34"S	31°46'30.81"E