Pied Kingfisher

Watch for a striking black-and-white bird hovering on rapid wingbeats over rivers, lakes or coastal shallows before plunging headfirst to seize fish, a hunting technique that makes it one of the easier kingfishers to actually watch fishing. It favours open water with clear views and perches on overhanging branches, wires or rocks between dives. It is resident across much of its African and Asian range, so it can generally be looked for at any time of year near suitable water bodies, though early morning often brings the most active fishing.