Summary
Arkell, G. B. F. 1979. Aspects of the feeding and breeding biology of the Giant Kingfisher. Ostrich 50:176-181.
Giant Kingfishers Megaceryle maxima were studied during 1972–1975 on the Eerste and Blaauwklip Rivers near Stellenbosch (33 53s; 18 50E), South Africa. Nest record cards of the Southern African Ornithological Society were examined for dimensions of the nest, nest lining, clutch-size and brood-size. The feeding rate of nestlings was determined from observations at the nest. Two adults, comprising a pair of breeding birds, and a fledgling wert equipped with breast-mounted miniature radio transmitter packages to monitor the birds activity and home range. Cape River Crabs Potamon perlatus apparently were the main prey of the kingfishers. A correlation was found between the activity patterns of kingfishers and of crabs, which peaked in the mornings and evenings.