HALCTONIN^. 223 



This large Kingfisher is found over all India, from the extreme 

 South, and Ceylon, to Bengal ; but only is general where there is 

 much jungle or forest, or where the banks of rivers are well wood- 

 ed. It is common in Malabar ; rarely seen in the Carnatic and 

 upon the Table Land ; occasionally found in Central India and the 

 Northern Circars ; and most abundant in Bengal, but apparently not 

 found, or rare, in the North-west. It extends likewise to all the 

 countries east of the Bay of Bengal, even to the islands of 

 Malayana, but varying slightly from the peninsular bird. 



All specimens from India, that I have seen, are uniformly 

 brown on the head : those from the East, and especially from 

 Tenasserim, have the cap albescent or whitey-broAvn, but never 

 white, as the Gmelin's name would imply : hence, in accordance 

 with Sundevall, Avho also distinguished it from the Malay bird, I 

 formerly named it H. brunniceps. This has been disallowed as a 

 distinct species ; every degree of gradation, it is stated, beino- 

 observable. Those from Malacca, again, H. capensis, L., apnd 

 Bonap., are smaller, with the blue more pronounced and deeper on 

 the wings and tail, the lower plumage also deeper in tint, and the 

 brown of the head moderately dark, having a distinct metallic 

 shine. These form three distinct races, to say the least ; and, if 

 they should eventually be allowed as species (as indfeed Bonaparte 

 ranks them), the Indian should retain Pearson's specific name, 

 Gwial. 



Our bird is found along rivers, streams, and back-waters ; but only 

 where tolerably well shaded by trees. It sits on a branch over- 

 hanging the water, and pounces on fish, crabs, and occasionally 

 frogs. It has rather a peculiar call (peer peer pur)^ several times 

 repeated. Layard, however, calls it a loud, harsh note, not unlike 

 the cracking of castanets. 



It is said to build in hollow trees, or in holes in mud-walls. Mr. 

 Smitli, as quoted in Horsfield's Catalogue, says that he once observ- 

 ed a contest between a bird of this species and a Hawk of considera- 

 ble size, in which the latter was worsted and obliged to leave his 

 hold, from the effects of a severe blow which the other adminis- 

 tered to him on the breast. 



