EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 169 



comparatively restricted range, being confined to the southern- 

 half of the western Palaearctic region, and is represented in 

 Siberia and India by a smaller form, known as Alcedo bengalensis. 

 Upon its nest of fish-bones, if nest it can be properly called, the 

 female Kingfisher deposits her round, shining, white eggs, from 

 six to eight or nine in number. As is the case with most white 

 eggs before they are blown, the yolk inside gives them a beautiful 

 pink appearance. They vary in length from 0'95 to 0'87 inch, 

 and in breadth from 0'8 to 0'72 inch. Kingfishers' eggs are not 

 easily confused with those of any other British bird, for their 

 rotund shape distinguishes them from those of the Woodpeckers, 

 and their size from those of the Bee-eaters. 



THE BELTED KINGFISHEE. 

 (Ceryle alcyon.) 

 Plate 48, Fig. 12. 



The Belted Kingfisher may fairly claim to be inserted in the 

 list of British birds as an accidental straggler on migration. It 

 is found throughout the continent of North America, from the 

 Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Arctic Ocean to Central 

 America and Trinidad. 



It rears its young in a hole, which is usually made in the 

 clayey banks of a stream or pond near the birds' favourite fishing- 

 grounds. Some holes are perfectly straight, whilst others turn 

 from side to side, usually when near the end. All the holes are 

 enlarged at the end into a sort of chamber, and in this the eggs 

 are deposited. 



The eggs, usually laid in April or May, are generally six in 

 number, rarely seven, and are, when blown, pure and glossy 

 white, and vary in length from 1*4 to 1'3 inch, and in breadth 

 from 1'06 to 1'02 inch. Their size, of course, prevents them 

 from being confused with those of the Common Kingfisher. 



