TEXAS KINGFISHER. 



391. Ceryle americana septentrionalis. 8 inches. 



The adult male of this species has a rufous breast 

 band, while the female has only a greenish one. 



The Texan Green Kingfisher is the smallest member 

 of the family found within our borders. You will notice 

 that all Kingfishers have tlie two outer toes on each foot 

 joined together for about two-thirds of their length. This 

 has been brought about through their habit of excavating 

 in sand banks for nesting sites. It is quite probable tliat 

 at some future distant period the three forward toes may 

 be connected for their whole length, so as to give them 

 a still more perfect shovel. 



Note. — A rattling cry, more shrill than that of the 

 Belted Kingfisher. 



Nest. — The four to six glossy white eggs are laid on 

 the sand at the end of a horizontal burrow in a bank, 

 the end being enlarged into a chamber sufficiently large 

 to allow the parent bird to turn about. 



Range. — Southwestern border of the United States, 

 from southern Texas to Arizona. 



