KINGFISHERS (Alcedo ispida} 



The Common Kingfisher of Britain, which ranges through 

 Europe and the greater part of Asia, is remarkable for its brilliant 

 plumage. The plate depicts two of them perched on branches 

 overhanging a stream, on the look-out for fish, which constitute 

 their favourite prey. The structure of the feet greatly assists in 

 the maintenance of this characteristic attitude, three of the toes 

 being closely bound together and forwardly directed. On sighting 

 its prey the Kingfisher darts down with arrow-like flight, and uses 

 its long sharp beak as a fish-spear. Once secured the booty is 

 taken from the water and beaten against the branch to stop its 

 struggles, as a preliminary to swallowing. Kingfishers also hawk 

 along the surface of the water, diving vertically with great rapidity 

 as opportunity may offer. When the wings are closed the extended 

 body is shaped like a rounded wedge, well suited for cleaving the 

 water with but little friction. 



