Ispidina picta
African Pygmy Kingfisher
A tiny (about 12 cm), jewel-like kingfisher with a rufous underside, violet-blue back and tail, and an orange face with a purple cheek patch. Unlike most kingfishers it is not tied to open water, instead favouring woodland, savanna edge, and coastal thicket, within its Senegal-to-Ethiopia West/Central African range.
Identification
Separated from the similar African Dwarf Kingfisher by its dark blue (not black) crown; sits motionless for long periods low in cover before darting after insect prey, unlike waterside kingfishers.
Want to see the African Pygmy Kingfisher?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Where to find it
Western Region, near Lamin/Abuko, south of Serekunda on the Banjul–Brikama highway
Abuko is The Gambia's oldest protected wildlife area, a small but botanically rich pocket of gallery forest along the Lamin Stream, easily reached from the coastal resorts. It's one of the country's most reliable sites for forest-dependent species, with an easy circular trail and hides making close encounters straightforward even on a short visit.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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A fully guided private birding tour combining the best of coastal and inland Gambia with the forests, wetlands and wildlife-rich landscapes of Eastern Senegal, including Niokolo-Koba National Park. Designed for serious birders seeking Gambian specialities, Sahelian species, woodland birds and waterbirds, at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
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A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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