The Tiny King by Amit Salvi

An oriental dwarf kingfisher (ODKF) or a pygmy kingfisher, is the smallest kingfisher in the world at about 13 cm in length. It is also the brightest, most colorful and one of the fastest Kingfishers on the planet. It typically breeds in the Indian subcontinent during monsoons, but in very specific places. It is also one of the most sought after by bird photographers. I flew from Dubai to Mumbai, traveled 100 kms by road off Mumbai, and trekked with 8 kgs of camera gear, to reach a hide where I could get a glimpse of this wonderful species. I drove at about 4 am, during the monsoon season, then walked off the beaten path to get to the location, where the probability of sighting it was on th...View all