1 92 1.] Economic status of tJie Kingfisher. 149 



The species which go to form the total of 60'67 i)er cent, 

 consist almost entirely of neutral species, 7'28 per cent, only 

 consisting of trout. 



The highest percentage of fish is consumed in the raontlis 

 of October, November, January^ February, and ]\Iarch, and 

 the lowest in April. 



Insects, most of which are injurious to trout, constitute 

 15'66 per cent, of the total bulk of food, and tlie highest 

 percentage is taken iu the spring (March, April, and June), 

 so that much of this material consists of voracious larvpe, 

 most of which occasion a large amount of damage to fish 

 ova and fry. 



Only 5'33 per cent, of Crustacea are taken, most of which 

 are referable to Gammarus pulex, wiiich species I. am 

 informed attacks the eggs of fishes. The consumption of 

 worms and molluscs is only small. 



A summary of the percentages of the various food items 

 shows that 77*4 per cent, of tlie food is of a neutral nature, 

 15"66 per cent, is beneficial, and only 7'28 [)er cent, is 

 injurious. 



It is obvious, after considering the results obtained in this 

 investigation, tliat the pisciculturist is grossly mistaken as 

 to the economii; position of the Kingfisher, and that despite 

 the small percentage of trout that it destroys, it is really 

 a very beneficial bird iu that it destroys a much larger 

 percentage of acknowledged enemies. Moreover, tlie little 

 damage it occasions is not altogether beyond prevention. 



In view of these results it is sincerely to be hoped that 

 very strict and rigorous protection will be afforded this bird 

 for the future. A clause in any new Act of Parliament 

 affecting wild birds, making it an offence to stuff or set up 

 specimens of the Kingfisher, excepting under a permit, 

 would certainly tend to reduce the present senseless 

 destruction. 



