FAMILY AlcedinidcB 



though a summer resident only in the more 

 northern parts of its range, it is practically 

 resident in the United States along the 

 Pacific Slope. It is commonly found along 

 salt water and in the mountains up to ten 

 thousand feet where it may be seen about the 

 mountain torrents and glacial lakes. The 

 kingfisher frequents the shores of clear ponds, 

 lakes or streams, bordered with brush or 

 trees, and may often be seen perched on 

 some half-submerged snag or fallen tree top 

 or dead branch overhanging the water, 

 watching for fish. There seem to be certain 

 places where it will sit by the hour in silent 

 meditation, its only movement being a 

 quick turning of the head from side to side as 

 if watching for some danger that might 

 threaten. When it spies a fish it springs 

 into the air, hovering over the spot for a few 

 moments like a sparrowhawk, and then, if not 

 certain, rising higher to hover again for a 

 moment and then plunge boldly into the 

 water. On emerging with its prey it flies to 

 some favorite perch, beats the fish against a 

 limb to make sure that it is dead and swallows 

 it head foremost at a gulp. Although fish con- 

 stitutes the major part of its food it also cap- 

 tures various kinds of insects, frogs, lizards, 

 small crustaceans, mice and even small birds. 

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