CHAPTER VII. 



KINGFISHER FAMILY 



(AlcedinidcB). 



The Laughing Jackass The Australian Kingfisher 



The Ternate Kingfisher. 

 I 

 ! HIS family, of which our well-known 



English Kingfisher is a typical repre- 

 sentative, contains some choice species 

 very suitable for the aviary. 

 THE LAUGHING JACKASS, Dacelo gigantea, is a 

 remarkably fine bird, well known to Australian colo- 

 nists. Its cry or call is very curious, and resembles 

 something between the braying of a donkey and a very 

 loud laugh. 



While bearing a general likeness to the head of 

 the family, the Laughing Jackass nevertheless differs 

 materially, especially as regards size and brilliancy 

 of colouring, from our English Kingfisher; but all the 

 same it is a handsome creature, and the crest on its 

 head, which it has the power of raising or depressing 

 at will, gives it quite a distinguished appearance. 



In size it is a large bird, measuring about i8in. 

 in length, but the legs are short, and it progresses 



D 2 



