284 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES- 



The nest is usually in a hollow tree or hole in masonry ; 

 during incubation the male regularly feeds the female. At 

 times no nesting material is used, but generally an untidy 

 collection of straws, litter and rags, mixed with evil-smelling 

 filth, is the bed for the eggs and young. Mr. Jourdain thinks 

 that five is the minimum number of the unspotted white, grey or 

 greenish, and often stained, eggs (Plate 118); the clutch may 

 number ten or more. The insanitary and disgusting condition 

 of the nest does not trouble these beautiful birds. 



The head, neck, upper back and most of the under parts are 

 vinaceous cinnamon, darkest on the crest and pinkest on the 

 breast. The crest is tipped with black ; the lower back, wings 

 and tail are barred black and white ; the rump is white. The 

 bill is black, fleshy at the base, the legs and irides brown. 

 The bills of the young are shorter and less curved. Length, 

 12 ins. Wing, 57 ins. Tarsus, S in. 



Sub-order HALCYONES. 



The Kingfishers have long heavy bills, short, thick- set bodies, 

 and for the most part brilliant plumage. The foot has the 

 three front toes united. All of the family AIcediiiidcE are fish- 

 eaters. 



* 

 Family ALCEDINID^. Kingfishers. 



Kingfisher. Alcedo ispida Linn. 



The Kingfisher (Plate 114) is a well-distributed resident in 

 the British Isles. Abroad it occurs throughout central and 

 southern Europe, and is replaced in Africa and Asia by allied 

 forms. Possibly a few birds reach us as winter visitors, but 

 though addicted to short internal movements, it cannot be 

 called a regular migrant or bird of passage. 



