African Dwarf Kingfisher: Royal Mile, Bodongo Forest, Uganda — If I thought the African Pygmy Kingfisher was small (and I did), the African Dwarf Kingfisher is absolutely tiny! In fact, according to some references, the African Dwarf is the smallest Kingfisher in the world. On average it is just under 4 inches long, half an inch shorter than the average for the African Pygmy Kingfisher. It also lacks the blue cap and has that back bar across the forehead. Though eBird shows sightings on the Royal Mile, the Birds of East Africa only shows a range spot around Entebbe and a band along the south-western border of the country. It is a more common bird in the rainforests of West Africa, though it is not common or easily seen anywhere, especially as it sticks to low vegitaion deep under the canopy…often far from any watercourse.. So, all in all, it was a surprise to see it on the Royal Mile, only a few hundred yards down the road from the Pygmy. With the low light under the canopy and the diminutive size of the bird, I had to work my way cautiously closer to get any photos at all. And again, special processing was required even with multi-frame noise reduction engaged. The Dwarf was a life bird for me, one of two life Kingfishers I picked up on the Royal Mile (again, look back two posts for more information on the Royal Mile). Sony Rx10iv at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom birds and wildlife modifications and multi-frame noise reduction. Processed in Pixelmator Photo and Apple Photos. Nominal exposure: ISO 6400 @ f4 @ 1/160th and 1/125th. Plus .3 EV.