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CHAPTER VII. 

 THE BIEDS OF EIVEE AND VLEI. 



KINGFISHERS. 



THE Kingfishers form the Family Alcedinida, with five 

 genera. They are nearly always found in the neighbour- 

 hood of water of some description, and nest in holes 

 tunnelled in banks, and lay shiny white eggs. 



The Pied Kingfisher (Cerijle rudis) is of a general 

 mottled black and white plumage ; crown crested ; a 

 white collar on the nape of the neck ; the under-parts 

 white with, in the case of the male bird, two black 

 bands across the chest, the female possessing but one. 

 Length about 11J in. 



This bird is found throughout South Africa. We met 

 with it at Port Alfred (exceedingly common), Grahams- 

 town (fairly common), Beaufort district, Modder and 

 Valsch Rivers, O.R.C., Modderfontein, Irene, Crocodile 

 and Aapies River, Pretoria district, Tvl. 



At Port Alfred it is quite common on the beach, where 

 it may even be seen fishing in the sea. It procures its 

 food by hovering over the water and diving headlong, 

 being often completely submerged. Besides fish it feeds 

 on frogs and Crustacea. 



The Giant Kingfisher (Ceryle maxima) called the 

 Groote Vischvanger by the Dutch is the largest member 



