220) SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
and Hambantota District, while a few birds may be seen here 
and there in the northern forest tract. It is more common in 
the central hill zone up to a moderate height. 
It occurs on the Malabar coast and the Nilgiris, and also 
ranges from the Lower Himalayas through Assam and Burma 
to Malaya and Cochin-China. 
Habits, &c.—This species is generally to be found on the 
banks of rivers, round tanks, or inforest country. It generally 
perches on the upper branches of trees. The birds occasionally 
fish for insects and small fry on the surface of water. They 
breed about April, excavating a long tunnel in the sandy 
bank of a river or tank bund. The eggs are laid in a circular 
chamber at the end of the passage. They are glossy white 
and spherical, averaging *87 by *76. 
Sub-order HALCYONES. 
Family ALCEDINID&. 
Kingfishers. 
The habits and outward appearance of the Kingfishers are 
too well known to require much description. The sub-order 
consists of a single family, which ranges over the whole world, 
though only one genus—Ceryle—is found in America. The 
bill is long, stout, and pointed, the wings are moderate, the 
tail is short and consists of twelve feathers, the legs and feet 
are weak, the formation of the toes is the same as in the 
Rollers. Most of the species are fish feeders, but some 
members, including one Ceylon species, Halcyon smyrnensis, 
may be seen away from water feeding largely on land insects, 
small lizards, &c. The nest, like that of the Bee-eater, is a 
small round chamber at the end of a tunnel excavated in a 
bank, generally near water. As a rule, the round, white, 
glossy eggs are laid on the bare floor, but in some cases on a 
lining of fish bones. Seven species, belonging to five genera, 
are found in the Island, but only four are common, two being 
excessively rare, while a third is by no means abundant. 
Rough Key to Ceylon Halcyones. 
A.—Plumage black and white ; length 11°7. 
Ceryle varia (Indian Pied. Kingfisher). 
