72 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



Courtship. — The bird often draws itself up and expands 



its crest, probably a courting gesture. 

 Food. — Worms, snails, etc. ; it often digs with the 



biU. 

 Gait. — A walk or run. 

 Flight. — Seemingly very weak ; in captivity it seems 



not to try to fly. 

 Disposition and Habits. — It is a lively, playful bird, 



fond of rushing about, running after its tail, etc. 



Though nocturnal in the wild state, in captivity 



it is active by day. It bathes freely. 

 Note. — A curious inward trumpeting sound. 

 Economic Qualities. — It is eaten in its native country, 



and must be useful in destroying vermin. 

 Captivity. — It does well in confinement, feeding on 



meat, and has laid in the London Zoo and 



elsewhere. 

 Distribution. — New Caledonia only ; there is only 



one species {Rhinochetus juhatus), said to be in 



danger of extinction. 



Kingfishers (AlcedinidcB). 



Diagnosis. — Perching birds, of medium or small size, 

 with large straight beak and three or four toes ; a 

 hind-toe and two or three, more or less united, in 

 front. 



Form.— Bill usually long, stout, straight (hooked 

 at tip only in Melidora), comer of mouth under 

 eye ; wings short ; tail various ; head large ; feet 

 very small, with very short shanks and inner front 

 toe sometimes wanting ; two outer front toes 

 united. 



Size. — From that of a crow to that of a tit. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Much varied in colour, 

 often showing much rich glossy blue or green. 



