MENSURAL AND MOULT DATA OF EIGHT SPECIES OF KINGFISHER FROM MOÇ AMBIQUE AND MALAŴI

Abstract

Summary Hanmer, D. B. 1980. Mensural and moult data of eight species of kingfisher from Mozambique and Malawi. Ostrich 51:129-150. Wing length, weight and moult data are given for the Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo crisrata, Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta, Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis, Greyhooded Kingfisher H. leucocephala, Brownhooded Kingfisher H. albiventris, Striped Kingfisher H. chelicuti, Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis and Giant Kingfisher C. maxima from Mopeia (Mocambique) and Nchalo (Malaŵi). Plumage characters of immatures are given, with their probable duration, age being determined by skull pneumatization, retrapping, moult and the breeding season, for the first six species. Moulting seasons, immature age at moult, the duration of primary moult, its relation to the breeding season and the sequence of moult in remiges and rectrices are given for A. cristala and I. picta and discussed for the Halcyon kingfishers. Some data are given on habits.