23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Wing Beat

A malachite kingfisher beats its wings taking off from a river. It has an orange chest, a blue back, grey wings and a red beak, in which it's holding an insect it's just caught.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Camera: NIKON Z 8
Copyright: © Nick Dale