ALCEDINID.E. 



291 



lower brancli of a tree, watching tlie space around 

 for the appearance of small reptiles, fish, crabs, or 

 insects, from all of which the}^ derive their sub- 

 sistence : some species examine the flowers of the 

 cocoa-nut for insects contained within them. Their 

 nest is built in the hollow trunk of a tree, and the 

 eggs are usually three or four in number. 



One of the best-known species belonging to this 

 sub -family is — 



The Gigantic King-fisher (D(tcelo* (jigas). This remark- 

 able bird is not uncommon among the wooded mountain 

 districts m many parts of the Australian continent, where 

 it may frequently be observed sitting in solitary state 



--i^^fc^-^ 



'1 



Fig, 120.— the lau&hing jackass. 

 (Dacelo gigas.) 



watching for its prey. Unqualified for plunging into 

 water, the Dacelo is vigilant in pursuit of reptiles and 

 insects. Snakes are its favourite food, and it may be 

 often seen flying to a tree with one of these reptiles in its 

 beak, holdmg it just behind the head, and thus securing 



* A fanciful name, made by transposing- the letters of the word 

 Alcedo. 



