BELTED KINGFISHER. 



390. Ceryle aicyon. 13 inches. 



The male has the breast band and sides blue gray 

 like the back, while the female has chestnut colored 

 sides and breast band, the latter sometimes in addition 

 to a gray band. 



Kingfishers may be found about ponds, lakes, rivers, 

 the sea-side or small creeks and brooks where small 

 fish may be obtained. Their food is entirely of fish, 

 which they catch themselves by diving upon, from 

 their perch on a dead branch, or by hovering over the 

 water at a height until the fish is in a proper position 

 and then plunging after it. 



Note. A very loud, harsh rattle easily heard half a 

 mile away on a clear, quiet day. 



Nest. At the end of a two or three foot tunnel in a 

 sand bank. The tunnel terminates in an enlarged 

 chamber where the five to eight glossy white eggs 

 (1.35x1.05) are laid upon the sand. 



Range. Whole of North America north to the Arc- 

 tic regions. Winters from southern United States 

 southward. 



