458 ALCEDINID.E; KINGFISHER, PUFF-BIRI^S. 



same pair being seen in each other's company, except at breeding 

 time. Their peculiar forms, bright colours, and quick motions, 

 have rendered them very noted Birds from an early period. 

 The only species of this family that inhabits Britain, is the 

 common Kingfisher or Halcyon ; which remains throughout 

 the year in this country, shifting its station occasionally along the 

 margin of the streams and lakes which it frequents, the freezing 

 of the shallower waters in winter driving it to the deeper. It is 

 at once distinguished from any other of our native Birds, by its 

 large body, short and thick neck, disproportionately long bill, 

 diminutive feet, and abbreviated tail. When Watching for its 

 prey, the Kingfisher perches itself upon some overhanging 

 branch, with its long dagger-like bill pointed downwards, and 

 its eye intent upon the water beneath. Suddenly, it darts 

 downwards, plunges headlong into the water, and speedily re- 

 appears with a minnow or other small fish between its mandibles. 

 Without loosing its hold, it passes the fish through its bill until 

 it has fairly grasped it by the tail ; and then destroys its life, by 

 smartly striking its head three or four times against the branch, 

 after which it gulps its prey at one mouthful, except when it 

 bears it away to the nest for the supply of the young. The fish- 

 bones, scales, and other indigestible parts are afterwards disgorged 

 by the mouth. Various other species of Kingfisher are found 

 indifferent parts of the Old and New World. This family also 

 includes the Puff Birds of South America, which feed on 

 insects ; pursuing their prey on the wing, in the manner of the 

 preceding families. They have a moderate-sized bill, furnished 

 with bristles at its base ; their plumage is smooth and dense, 

 and is puffed out into a round ball, whence their name The 

 Jacamars, also inhabitants of South America, have very long, 

 three-sided, pointed bills, and a brilliant metallic plumage ; they, 

 too, feed upon insects. 



413. The last family of the Fissirostres is that of the MERO- 

 PID.E, or Bee-eaters ; these have long, slightly-arched beaks, and 

 long, pointed wings; and are mostly of a green colour. They 

 associate in flocks, and fly like Swallows ; pursuing Bees and 

 Wasps, on which they prey with impunity. They are found 



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