144 



Wild Birds 



On the fourth of August I took these birds home in a basket, 

 when twenty-five days old, if their age was correctly estimated. 

 They were about ready to fly and would have voluntarily left 

 their nest in a short time. The nesting chamber had been 

 gradually opened up in front and filled at the rear, until it had 



Fig. 93. Kingfishers twenty-two days old. Placed in line to illustrate habit of 

 walking backwards. The second bird at the left has already broken ranks and taken 

 a few backward steps. August i, 1900. 



advanced a foot and a half toward the mouth of the tunnel. 

 At this time fear was possessing them, and a day later it was 

 impossible to handle them without throwing them into a panic. 

 When quiet they would still pose well, would strike with open bill, 

 and walk backwards. 



During captivity I fed them on fish which, however, they 



