20 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



frequent the mouths of rivers, and even as far as to the sea- 

 shore. 



The ei^s of the Kingfislier are jmre whjte, and generally 

 from <ive to six in numher. The plnmao^e of the young is 

 similar to that of the adult hirds, l)ut, of course, not so 

 bright. 



The caH is but a shrill^pij)e, or squeal. 



Kingfishers may be kept in an aviary, provided proper 

 food is given, putting birds caught young at first upon 

 small fish, and gradually substituting fresh beef chopped 

 small and hard-boiled Qrr&, It is not advisable to have more 

 than a proper pair, on account of their very pugnacious 

 habits. It is needless to say that if a little water be in- 

 troduced into the aviary, and small fish be given, it is 

 possible to make the Kingfisher one of the most beautiful 

 and interesting of the inhabitants*X 



