130° SYNOPSIS AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 
or four built each year, up to July or even August. 
Eggs: Pale grey or pale green, streaked and spotted 
blackish. Six generally. 
7. KINGFISHER 
(Pages 75-76) 
Alcedo ispida (one of the Syndactyles—external and 
middle toes partly joined—as the fly-catcher, etc.). 
Unlike any other British bird in shape and plumage. 
Colour (especially of back) very brilliant. Back and 
tail brilliant green shading to emerald-blue. Breast 
and front of body rusty red. Beak: Long. Flight: 
Straight and very rapid, often up or down a stream. 
Not migratory, but in winter seeks unfrozen waters (as 
mouths of rivers) for fish food (whence name). Length: 7 
inches. Note : Asqueal when calling its mate. Haunts : 
Always near water, as it subsists on small fish (minnows, 
sticklebacks, etc.), and also water insects, beetles, 
leeches, etc. Fond of one spot, and same perch, from 
which to watch for its prey. Plumage: See above. 
Chin and throat white, also a white mark from back 
downwards. Tail very short (like most birds that dive). 
Colour brighter during breeding .season. Female : 
Somewhat smaller than male, colours not so brilliant 
and bill shorter. Nest: In April or May. Situated : 
in cavities under overhanging banks of streams, often 
