82 



KINGFISHER. 



KINGSFISHER. COMMON KINGFISHER. COMMON KINGSFISHER. 



PLATE XXXIX. FIG. II. 



Alcedo ispida, LIKN^EUS. 



Ispida senegalensis, BRISSON. 



Gracula atthis, GMELIN. LATHAM. 



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. It slants downwards, the principles of drainage being sufficiently- 

 understood by instinct. 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 f on the cold ground/ and often on a layer 

 of fish bones. 



The young remain in the nest until fully fledged. For a short time 

 they then, perched on some neighbouring branch, receive their food 

 from their parents. 



The eggs, six or seven in number, are transparent white, and 

 rather rotund in form. 



