IG THE BELTED KINGFISHER. 
a Kingfisher which, spying some minnows in a wooden tub nearly filled 
with water, struck so eagerly that its bill penetrated the bottom of the 
tub, and so thoroly that the bird was unable to extricate itself; and so 
died—a_ death almost as 
ignominous as that of the 
king who was drowned in 
a butt of Malmsey wine. 
When a fish is taken the 
bird first thrashes it against 
its perch to make sure it is 
dead, and then swallows it 
head foremost. If the fish 
is a large one its captor 
often finds it necessary to go 
thru the most ridiculous 
contortions, gaspings, writh- 
ings, chokings, regurgita- 
tions, and renewed attempts, 
in order to encompass its 
safe delivery within. 
Kingfishers have the repu- 
tation of being very unsocial 
birds. Apart from their 
family life, which is idyllic, 
this reputation is well sus- 
tained. Good fishing is so 
scarce that the birds deem 
Taken near Portland. Photo by A. W. Anthony. it best to portion off the 
A FISHER PRINCE AT HOME. territory with others of their 
own kind, and they are very 
punctilious about the observance of boundaries and allotments. For the 
rest, why should they hunt up avian companions, whose tastes are not 
educated to an appreciation of exposed, water-soaked stubs, and a commanding 
view of river scenery? However, I did once see a Kingfisher affably hob- 
nobbing with a Kingbird, on a barren branch which overlooked a crystal 
stream in Idaho. I wonder if they recognized a mutual kingliness, this 
humble fisherman and this petulant hawk-driver ? 
Kingfisher courtship is a very noisy and spirited affair. One does not 
know just how many miles up and down stream it is considered proper for 
the gallant to pursue his enamorata before she yields a coy acceptance; and 
it is difficult to perceive how the tender passion can survive the din of the 
