72 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



COURTSHIP. The bird often draws itself up and expands 



its crest, probably a courting gesture. 

 FOOD. Worms, snails, etc. ; it often digs with the 



bill. 



GAIT. A walk or run. 

 FLIGHT. Seemingly very weak ; in captivity it seems 



not to try to fly. 

 DISPOSITION AND HABITS. It is a lively, playful bird, 



fond of rushing about, running after its tail, etc. 



Though nocturnal in the wild state, in captivity 



it is active by day. It bathes freely. 

 NOTE. A curious inward trumpeting sound. 

 ECONOMIC QUALITIES. It is eaten in its native country, 



and must be useful in destroying vermin. 

 CAPTIVITY. It does well in confinement, feeding on 



meat, and has laid in the London Zoo and 



elsewhere. 

 DISTRIBUTION. New Caledonia only ; there is only 



one species (Rhinochetus jubatus), said to be in 



danger of extinction. 



KINGFISHERS (Alcedinidce). 



DIAGNOSIS. Perching birds, of medium or small size, 

 with large straight beak and three or four toes ; a 

 hind-toe and two or three, more or less united, in 

 front. 



FORM. Bill usually long, stout, straight (hooked 

 at tip only in Melidora), corner of mouth under 

 eye ; wings short ; tail various ; head large ; feet 

 very small, with very short shanks and inner front 

 toe sometimes wanting ; two outer front toes 

 united. 



SIZE. From that of a crow to that of a tit. 



PLUMAGE AND COLOURATION. Much varied in colour, 

 often showing much rich glossy blue or green. 



