BLACK AND WHITE KINGFISHER 



Ceryle rudis 



The whole plumage black and white ; feathers on top of 

 head form crest ; under surface white. In the male two dark 

 bands cross the upper breast, in the female only one ; both 

 have some thin lance-shaped black markings on the sides ; 

 beak and legs black ; eyes brown. Length, 11 "5 inches. 



This is a bird few know till they have been up 

 the Nile ; but when they have, they know it well, 

 for it is not at all of a retiring nature, but boldly 

 shows itself, and is very fond of sitting in con- 

 spicuous places, on the tops of poles, or on the 

 dahabeah chains. Many seem to find it difficult 

 to understand this is a Kingfisher, since they 

 have a preconceived idea that Kingfishers must 

 all necessarily be bright-plumaged birds, like the 

 preceding species ; but the Kingfishers are a very 

 large family, and very various in size and colour. 

 The Australian "Laughing Jackass" is a King- 

 fisher, and there are many others that possess no 

 very special brilliance of plumage. 



This Black and White Kingfisher is a true 

 resident in Egypt, and just about the time we all 

 leave for our homes it sets to work to make one, 



51 



