216 BRITAIN'S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 



habits it is not conspicuous after midsummer, when the 

 loud cry is abandoned. 



The WrjTieck, as already indicated, uses a hole for the 

 piuposes of nidification. Not having the Woodpecker's 

 stout bill, it is forced to utilise any chance hole in a tree, 

 or, failing this, one in the side of some bank. The eggs 

 are from seven to ten in number, and of the pm-e white 

 colour that one would expect. Laying begins about mid- 

 May. 



In feeding habits, too, the Wryneck is very Woodpecker- 

 like. Although lacking the stout beak of the Wood- 

 pecker, it possesses the long sticky tongue so serviceable 

 in the pursuit of ants and other small insects. It feeds 

 largely on the ground, but also on trees. In autumn it 

 is said to eat elderberries. 



Family, ALCEDINID/E (Kingfishers). 



THE KINGFISHER 



(Alcedo ispida). 

 Plate 67. 



Classic myth ascribed to the Halcyon a maritime habitat 

 and the custom of building a nest floating on the surface 

 of the open sea. Alcyone, a daughter of ^Eolus, Lord of 

 the Winds, was changed into the form of a bird ; and 

 to her was granted the boon of two weeks' calm at 

 midsummer to brood in peace. For this reason all men 

 who plied their trade on the simny waters of the Mediter- 

 ranean enjoyed a period of tranquil security dm-ing the 

 joyous ' Halcyon Days.' 



Ruthlessly does the hand of Science tear the veil of 

 ignorance from this delightful legend, and reveal its utter 



