<p>The Malagasy Kingfisher (Alcedo vintsioides; also known as Madagascar Malachite Kingfisher) is common throughout the island of Madagascar. It is sometimes considered as belonging to the same species as the Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) of sub-saharan Africa, but the bill of the latter species is distinctly red, not black.
</p><p>The Malagasy Kingfisher is found in all types of wetlands, as well as along the island's coastline. Both sexes are similar.
</p><p>This bird was "digiscoped" next to the road N4 that passes through the Ankarafantsika National Park. Together with its partner, it was digging a nesting hole into a steep roadside earthbank.
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Digiscoping with Swarovski ATM 80 HD 30 X, Coolpix P5100 (Adapter DCB)
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/42244964@N03">Frank Vassen</a> from Brussels, Belgium
CC BY 2.0
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/42244964@N03/4308954737/">Malagasy Kingfisher (Alcedo vintsioides), Ankarafantsika, Madagascar</a>