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Knysna's "Birds of Africa" » 3410




Malachite Kingfisher. (Medium - 13 x 25 cms/ 5" x 10")
[3410]

Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) is a small bird, 13 cm in length. The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue. The head has a short crest of black and blue feathers, which gives rise to the scientific name. The face, cheeks and underparts are rufous and there are white patches on the throat and rear neck sides. The bill is black in young birds and reddish orange in adults; the legs are bright red. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult. The flight of the Malachite Kingfisher is rapid, the short rounded wings whirring until they appear a mere blur. It usually flies low over water.

Widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara - a common species of reeds and rank vegetation near slow moving water or ponds, the Malachite Kingfisher has regular perches or stands from which it fishes which are usually low over the water. It sits upright, its tail pointed downwards. It drops suddenly with a splash and normally returns at once with a struggling captive. They feed on fish, frogs, aquatic insects, crabs and tadpoles.

The Malachite Kingfisher breeds from August to November. The nest is a tunnel in a sandy bank, usually, though not always, over water. Both birds excavate. Most burrows incline upward before the nesting chamber is reached.


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This product was added to our catalog on Monday 08 September, 2008.
£32.50 Reviews
UNIQUE GIFTS OF AFRICA, OUT OF AFRICA
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KNYSNA'S BIRDS OF AFRICA

Birds of Africa is situated in the picturesque town of Knysna, along the famous Garden Route of South Africa. The Knysna birds have become much sought after as collector’s items.

Each bird created carries its own Certificate of Authenticity and identification disc bearing its series and limited edition number of which record is kept. Skilled craftsmanship is used in the creation of these unique wooden birds that are hand carved and hand painted.

Consistent with the manufacturer's commitment to the conservation of the environment, the wood sourced is from local South African ‘manmade’ forests.  Yellowwood and mopani root are used and are sourced from natural indigenous forests where the trees have been removed by forestry, after collapse, thereby contributing to the conservation of indigenous forests.

Due to the birds being created by hand, and by different craftsmen, each bird is characteristically unique.  The painting technique, using imported artists’ oil paints, highlights and reveals the grain of the wood. Although this wood is harder and more difficult for carving, it has a distinctive grain that adds to the creation of each bird’s individuality.

PLEASE NOTE: Deliveries of the Knysna birds are direct from the South African factory and although postage will be via first class airmail, please allow 7 - 10 days for delivery.