CROWS, JAYS, MAGPIES 



I'he kingfisher digs its nesting burrow in 

 the hanks of streams, railroad cuts and 

 ai)andoned gravel pits. The hole is from 

 three to eight feet deep, usually straight 

 hut sometimes turned at an angle, and nearly 

 ahvays slanting upwards. The end of the 

 burrow is enlarged making a dome shaped 

 chamber where the eggs are laid on the bare 

 ground or pile of crawfish shells, though 

 sometimes a scant nest of grass is made. 

 The male kingfisher will sometimes dig a 

 burrow nearby, about three feet deep, in 

 which to sleep at night. 



The glint of blue and white, the long 

 sword-like bill, the rattling call note and the 

 energetic flight of the kingfisher are char- 

 acteristic sights and sounds of every water- 

 course. As long as there is open water the 

 kingfisher will find a living and will stay 

 about its accustomed haunts, and if, as in the 

 mountains, the water freezes over, it simply 

 moves down into the valleys. 



FAMILY CORVIDJ:.- CROWS, JAYS, 

 MAGPIES 



^ Steller jay, Cyanocitta stelleri 



^^ Hielleri. 12.50 



Distribution: Pacific Coast district from 

 southern Alaska to middle California, east to, 

 109 



