ALCEDINID.*: 



279 



THE KINGFISHER. 



Alcedo ispida, Linnaeus. 



The Kingfisher is resident and generally distributed throughout 

 England and Wales ; also in the greater part of Scotland, though of 

 irregular occurrence in Sutherland and the west as far as Skye, and 

 very rare in the Outer Hebrides. In Ireland, though breeding in 

 almost every county, it is scarce and local (Ussher). In few places 

 can it be considered an abundant species ; mainly owing to the fact 

 that it is shot on account of its bright plumage, but partly for its 

 feathers, used in making artificial flies. The banks of lakes, 

 ponds, and streams of all sizes (provided the current be not too 

 rapid) or even the sea-shore, especially a rocky coast, are its usual 

 haunts ; and there it may frequently be seen darting in a straight 

 line over the water, or sitting patiently on some convenient perch, 

 awaiting an opportunity for the sudden plunge by which it secures 

 its prey. 



Even in the southern portion of Scandinavia the Kingfisher is of 

 accidental occurrence, though known to have nested there on one 

 occasion; to Denmark it is merely a visitor; while in Russia it is 

 rarely found as far north as St. Petersburg. In Northern Germany 



