KINGFISHERS 157 



often be seen sitting in profound scrutiny of pools 

 of the foulest and most repulsive appearance, where 

 the brown fluid " creams and mantles " with clouds of 

 tawny and cupreous-green algal growths and gives 

 off an overpoweringly offensive odour. 



The common small Indian kingfisher, Alcedo 

 ispida, is now usually regarded by experts as a 

 miniature variety of the European species, from 

 which it differs only in size and the habit of fre- 

 quenting urban areas. Unlike Halcyon sinyrnensis, 

 it thoroughly merits its name, as its diet consists 

 exclusively of fish and other aquatic products. 

 Specimens are therefore rarely to be met with save 

 in the immediate neighbourhood of bodies of water, 

 but they are so abundant there that almost every 

 pond of any size is usually tenanted by one or more 

 birds, who return to particular watch-towers at 

 special times of day. Any site affording a free out- 

 look over the surface of the water seems to satisfy 

 them ; where there are trees on the bank this is 

 supplied by overhanging boughs ; and, where there 

 are none, prominent points on the masonry of walls 

 and ghats, posts, or fishing platforms, or even the 

 ripening heads of Nelumbium-inflorescence project- 

 ing from the surface of the water will serve the 

 purpose. Here they will sit by the hour, " still as a 

 stone," save for their nodding heads, and intently 

 on the watch until a favourable opportunity arises 

 for a sudden plunge after a small fish that has un- 



