KINGFISHER 



KINGSFISHER. 



PLATE XXXIX. FIGURE II. 

 Alcedo ispida, LINNAEUS. 



THE nest is placed two or three feet within a hole in 

 a bank, that, for the most part, of a water-rat, which 

 the bird enlarges and alters as need be. It is said also 

 sometimes to hollow out one for itself, which slants upwards 

 from the entrance. The same situation is perseveringly 

 resorted to from year to year. Much discussion has taken 

 place on the question whether the Kingfisher forms an 

 artificial nest or not, the eggs being often found "on the 

 cold ground," and often on a layer of fish bones. My theory 

 has for some time been that no nest is made, but that the 

 bird resorting to the same locality year after year, a con- 

 glomerate of bones is by degrees formed, on which the eggs 

 being necessarily laid, a nominal nest is in such case found. 

 Since forming this theory I see that it is borne out by other 

 writers. One has been found in Cornwall, in May, 1817, 

 which was composed of dried grass, lined with hairs and 

 a few feathers ; so at least says " C.," in the Magazine of 

 Natural History, vol. iii. page 175. The nest has been 

 found at a distance from water, in a hole in a bank 



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