THE KINCFISIIER. 271 



as is the case with, the little pools left by the tide on the 

 sea-shore (for the Kingfisher is common on the banks of 

 tidal rivers as well as on inland streams and lakes), it 

 hovers like a Kestrel, and plunges after small fish, shrimps, 

 and marine insects. It once happened to me that I was 

 angling by a river's side, quite concealed from view by 

 a willow on either side of me, when a Kingfisher flev/ 

 down the stream, and perched on my rod. I remained 

 perfectly still, but was detected before an opportunity had 

 been afforded me of taking a lesson from my brother 

 sportsman. 



The Kingfisher is a permanent resident in this country, 

 and may be observed, at any season, wherever there is a 

 river, canal, or lake, those streams being preferred the 

 banks of which are lined with trees or bushes. Like 

 most other birds of brilliant plumage, it is no vocalist; 

 its only note being a wild piping cry which it utters 

 while on the wing. 



THE SWALLOW. 



HIRONDO RUSTICA. 



Forehead and throat chestnut-brown ; upper parts, sides of the neck, and a bar 

 across the breast black, with violet reflections ; lower parts dull reddish white ; 

 tail very long and forked. Female — with less red on the forehead and less 

 black on the breast ; under parts whiter ; outer tail-feathers shorter. Length 

 six inches and a half, width thirteen inches and a quarter. Eggs white, spotted 

 with brown and dark red. 



There are many features in the life of the Swallow 

 so prominent, that no undomesticated bird is more 

 thoroughly known. Like the Sparrow, it accompanies 

 man wherever he fixes his dwelling ; but, unlike the 

 Sparrow, it is liable to be mistaken for no other bird; 

 its flight is peculiar and all but ceaseless; at least, it 

 is rarely seen except in m^otion; and it is absent during 

 the greater portion of the year, so giving to itself a 



