134 THE ROLLER 
of an alder overhanging the stream, on some bending willow, or 
lichen-covered rail, the bird which but now glanced by him like a 
meteor. If exposed to the rays of the sun, the metallic green of its 
upper plumage is still most conspicuous ; if in the shade, or sur- 
rounded by leaves, its chestnut red breast betrays its position. 
Nota step further in advance, or the fisherman, intent as he is on 
his sport, will take alarm and be off to another station. With 
beak pointed downwards it is watching until one among a shoal of 
minnows or bleaks comes within a fair aim; then with a twinkle 
of the wing it dashes head foremost from its post, plunges into the 
stream, disappears for a second, and emerges still head foremost 
with its struggling booty.. A few pinches with its powerful beak, 
or a blow against its perch, deprives its prey of life, and the morsel 
is swallowed entire, head foremost. Occasionally, where convenient 
perches are rare, 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 flew 
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. Happily the Kingfishers are again on the increase 
in our country. 
FAMILY CORACIID/& 
THE ROLLER 
CORACIAS GARRULUS 
Head, neck, and under parts tinged with various shades of light blue, varied 
with green; back and scapulars reddish brown; tail blue, green, and 
black. Length twelve inches and a half. Eggs smooth shining white. 
ABOUT twenty specimens in all of this bird have been observed 
in England, the one of most recent occurrence being, I believe, 
