THE KINGFISHER 



Alcedo ispida 



General plumage a metallic blue ; the under parts, lores, 

 and ear coverts are bright chestnut ; throat, white ; the top 

 of the head is a greenish turquoise with darker markings ; 

 the back is a brilliant cobalt blue shading into darker 

 ultramarine blue on rump and tail ; legs, red ; eyes, brown. 

 Length 7 inches, but individuals vary much. 



In Egypt this bird is common, and would be 

 commoner if it were not in some parts relentlessly 

 pursued for its brilliant plumes. When at Matariya 

 on Lake Menzaleh I heard that the regular price 

 was a half piastre (or a penny farthing) per skin, 

 and that at that price hundreds were obtained. 

 As we at home are not entirely blameless on this 

 point much must not be said, but it is nevertheless 

 to be regretted, as its brilliant plumage is such a 

 valuable addition to the frequently colourless river 

 scenery. Wherever there is water both in Upper 

 and Lower Egypt this bird will be met with, and 

 in the Luxor district it is really common. It is 

 a bird that loves some particular spot, and clings 

 to some one reach or another, so that where once 

 seen it is highly probable to be seen again. It 



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