About Megaceryle maxima (Pallas, 1769)
The giant kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) measures 42–46 cm (16.5–18 inches) in length. It has a large shaggy crest, a large black bill, and fine white spots on its black upperparts. Males have a chestnut breast band, otherwise white underparts, and dark barring on the flanks. Females have a white-spotted black breast band and a chestnut belly. The forest subspecies M. m. gigantea is darker, has fewer spots on its upperparts, and more barring on its underparts than the nominate subspecies. The two forms intergrade along the forest edge zone. The giant kingfisher's call is a loud wak wak wak.
