Descriptive List 



187 



minable. In Bertie County a nest with three eggs was taken by R. P. Smithwick, 

 May 17, 1896. The only specimen which Pearson ever noted at Greensboro was 

 one which flew into his lecture-room at the State Normal and Industrial College, 

 early in May, 1901. After having been captured and positively identified, the bird 

 was given its freedom. 



In nesting habits it is similar to the preceding species and the eggs are much 

 like those of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 



Fig. 144. BL.iCK-BiLLED Cuckoo. 



36. FAMILY ALCEDINID/E. 



KINGFISHERS 



These are birds with large crested heads, short legs, and vnth the middle and 

 outer toes usually united for half their length. Most of the species are skillful 

 catchers of fish, and live along streams or about the shores of ponds and lakes. 



Genus Ceryle (Boie) 



171. Ceryle alcyon alcyon {Linn.). Belted Kingfisher. 



Description. — Ashy blue above, a bluish band across breast, otherwise white below; female 

 with sides and band across lower breast chestnut; tail black, speckled and barred with white. 

 L., 12.50; W., 6.00; T., 3.75. 



Range. — North America and northern South America. 



Range in North Carolina. — Whole State, resident in middle and eastern sections, apparently 

 only a summer visitor in the mountains. 



Fig. 143 



Fig. 146. Foot of Belted 

 Kingfisher. 



