Mr. E. L. Layard on the Ornithology of Ceylon. 171 



46. Harpactes fasciatus, Lath. 



This is one of the most beautiful of our indigenous birds. 

 They inhabit the high tree-jungle called by the natives " Moo- 

 koolaney," and are extremely shy. I found them about the Perth 

 estate and Ratnapoora, frequenting the highest tree-tops. On 

 dissection, their stomachs proved full of the remains of various 

 insects and small seeds. 



Preserved skins give but a faint idea of the beauty of these 

 birds ; the contrast afforded by the brilliant crimson breast, and 

 the deep blue cere of the eye, bill and legs, when fresh, must be 

 seen to be appreciated. 



47. Coracias Indica, Linn. Cawolovm, Cing. Kotta Killy, 

 Mai. ; lit. Palmyra Parrot (from breeding in hollow palmyra 

 trees). 



Common, and widely distributed; very partial to the small 

 clumps of trees scattered over the cultivated parts of the Jaffua 

 peninsula ; they are also very fond of sitting on the top of the 

 Well- Whips in the fields. It breeds in hollow trees, laying four 

 or five greenish eggs profusely speckled with dai'k brown spots. 

 Axis 15 lines; diam. 11 lines. 



48. EURYSTOMUS ORIENTALIS, Linn. 



Very rare in Ceylon ; but three specimens fell under my no- 

 tice ; one I killed in the Pasdoom Corle. It resembled the pre- 

 ceding in its flight, but clung to trees in the manner of the Pi- 

 cidoe. I shot it in the act of tearing away the decayed wood 

 round a hole in a dead tree. The other birds I killed at Gilly- 

 mally in a similar situation. Their stomachs were full of wood- 

 boring coleoptera, swallowed whole, and merely a little crushed, 

 and I saw them beat their food against the trees as a thrush 

 would beat a snail. 



49. Halcyon capensis, Linn. 



Is rare in the immediate neighbourhood of Colombo, but found 

 occasionally about Caltura, and up the river to Ratnapoora. It 

 is very abundant neai- Trincomalee and Batticaloa, and the Ana- 

 rajahpoora Wanny, frequenting tanks, and feeding on fish, frogs, 

 crabs, and small moUusca. When flying they utter a loud harsh 

 note, not unlike the cracking of castanets. I have never ob- 

 tained their nests, but the natives say they build in hollow trees. 



50. Halcyon atricapillus. Lath. 



This lovely kingfisher has but once fallen under my notice as 



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