ON THE CRESTED KINGFISHERS OF AFRICA. 133 
to the different islands, he has observed them out at sea, skim- 
ming along the water, at least five miles from the nearest point of 
land. 
Mr. Layard observes: — “This beautiful little Kingfisher 
is abundant throughout the colony, wherever a stream or marsh 
exists which can supply it with the necessary food. It breeds in 
banks, and lays four or five glistening white eggs, so transparent 
that the yellow yolk shines plainly through the shell. I have not 
myself seen the nest, but have been assured by many who have, 
that it consists of nothing but the bones of the delicate little fish ' 
upon which the bird habitually feeds.” In the immediate neigh- 
bourhood of Cape Town, however, it seems to be not very com- 
mon, for my friend Mr. Layard exerted himself vigorously to 
procure me some specimens, but without success, till at last he 
got quite by chance two at once, both young birds, which killed 
themselves by flying against a building in Cape Town. 
Mr. Ayres’ notes on the present species in Natal are as follow :— 
‘* Kye black; legs and bill brilliant red; frequents both the 
coast and interior streams, and feeds on freshwater shrimps and 
small fish, but principally the former; also on beetles and insects ; 
darts from a bough on its prey. Builds in holes in the banks, 
merely forming a smal] round chamber at the end of the hole.” 
Mr. Ayres has lately sent some eggs to the Rev. H. B. Tristram, 
and I am indebted to Mr. Gurney for the following note which 
was received by him from Mr. Ayres. He observes:— ‘It 
bores a hole some two feet deep in the bank of a river or stream- 
let, forming a small round chamber at the end, in which four 
pretty white eggs are laid.” 
The following details have been kindly supplied by my friend 
Mr. J. J. Monteiro:— ‘‘ This beautiful little species is not un- 
common all over Angola, particularly on the smaller rivers and 
-lakes. Itisa lovely object, as it flies actively about from twig 
to twig low over the water, and it has a pretty way when 
standing still of raising and depressing its beautiful little fan- 
like crest.” 
Dr. Kirk in his paper “ On the Birds of the Zambesi Region ” 
