Abstract

Plateau State has been an epicenter of tin mining activities since 1900. As a result, significant portions of its riparian forests have been lost to clearing for mining, cooking, and farming activities. This extensive land use has led to severe environmental degradation, including water pollution and contamination. These environmental changes directly impact organisms such as the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), which rely on clean water sources for feeding and survival. Pied Kingfishers are renowned for their adeptness in hunting fish across diverse aquatic habitats in tropical Africa. Despite their well-observed hunting behaviors, the factors influencing their feeding success in various water bodies remain understudied.