THE KINGFISHERS. 135 
plumage and habit of sitting motionless on a perch 
and flying out every now and then after some passing 
insect. 
The figure (Fig. 2) on Plate IV will give a good idea of 
its form. In colour it varies somewhat; it is found almost 
all over India, Ceylon, and Burma, though it does not 
ascend the hills ; and specimens from the eastern portions 
of its range are more or less bronzed on the head, while 
in the North-West of India the throat is often blue. 
Out of India it is found as far as North-East Africa 
on the west, and Cochin China on the east. 
It breeds from March till June, making the usual 
burrow. It is a lively cheerful little bird, with a pretty 
chirping note and very graceful flight. It is so active 
on the wing that it may be seen to take its bath by 
plunging, like a swallow ; it is also fond of dusting itself, 
and several will settle on a road together to indulge 
in a scuffle among the sand. It could probably be kept 
in confinement, but is far better left to enjoy its 
liberty. 
THE KINGFISHERS. 
Kingfishers are found allover the world, and vary con- 
siderably in size ; but they are always easily recognizable, 
having very large heads, with a long straight stout 
bill; their tongues are, on the other hand, very small, 
Their feet are small, with three united toes in front, and 
one behind, as in the Bee-eaters. 
Like those birds, they burrow out a nest in a bank and 
lay white eggs; but they are not in the least sociable 
