THE BELTED KINGFISHER. 363 



foremost. If the fish is a large one its would-be host often finds it necessary to 

 go through the most ridiculous contortions, gaspings, writhings, chokings, 

 regurgitations, and renewed attempts, in order to encompass its safe delivery 

 within. 



Kingfishers have the reputation of being very unsocial birds. Apart 

 from their family life, which is idyllic, this reputation is well sustained. Good 

 fishing is so scarce that the birds deem it best to portion off the territory with 

 others of their own kind, and they are very punctilious about the observance 

 of boundaries and allotments. For the rest, why should they hunt up avian 

 companions, w^hose tastes are not educated to an appreciation of exposed, 

 water-soaked stubs, and a commanding view of river scenery? However, 

 I once did see a Kingfisher affably hobnobbing with a Kingbird, on a barren 

 branch which overlooked a crystal stream in Idaho. I wonder if they recog- 

 nized a mutual kingliness, this humble fisherman and this petulant hawk- 

 driver? 



Kingfisher courtship is a very noisy and spirited affair. One does not 

 know just how many miles up and down stream it is considered proper for 

 the gallant to pursue his enamorata before she yields a coy acceptance; and 

 it is difficult to perceive how the tender passion can survive the din of the 

 actual proposal, where both vociferate in wooden concert to a distracted world. 

 But la! love is mighty and doth mightily prevail. 



The nesting tunnel is driven laterally into the face of a steep bank, pre- 

 ferably of sand or loam, usually directly over the water, but occasionally at 

 a considerable distance from it. Dr. Brewer reports one in a gravel pit at 

 least a mile from the water. The birds are not so particular as are the Bank 

 Swallows about digging near the top of the bank, but, especially if the bank- 

 is small, usually select a point about midway. The tunnel goes straight in or 

 turns sharply to suit an occasional whim, until a convenient depth, say five 

 or six feet, is reached, when a considerable enlargement is made for the nest 

 chamber. Here, early in May, six or seven white eggs are laid, usually upon 

 the bare earth, hut sometimes upon a lining of grass, straw and trash. From 

 time to time the birds eject pellets containing fish scales, the broken testa- of 

 Crawfish and other indigestible substances, and these are added to the accumu- 

 lating nest material. Sanitary regulations are not very strict in Kingfisher's 

 home, and by the time the young are ready to fly we could not blame them 

 for being glad to get away. The female is a proverbially close sitter, often 

 permitting herself to be taken with the hand, but not until after she has 

 made a vigorous defense with her sharp beak. If a stick be introduced into 

 the nest she will sometimes seize it so tightly that she can be lifted from the 

 eggs, turtle fashion. 



The parents are very busy birds after the young have broken shell, and it 

 takes many a quintal of fish to prepare six. or maybe seven, lusty fisher princes 



