IG KIXGFTSHEK. 



sure precision, frequently after hovering like the Kestrel, and 

 plunging like the Tern, and first kills either by the force of 

 its bill, or by knocking it against a rail, a stone, or the 

 ground. One has been known . to plunge from a branch, at 

 a height of six feet from the water. The bones are cast up 

 in the form of pellets. The fish that it catches it swallows 

 head foremost. 



The note is a shrill pipe, resembling that of the Sandpiper, 

 but louder. 



The birds pair in May, and nidification commences imme- 

 diately. 



The nest is placed two or three feet within a hole in a 

 bank, that, for the most part, of a water-rat, which the bird 

 enlarges or alters as need be. It is said also sometimes to 

 hollow one out for itself. It slants downwards, the principles 

 of drainage being sufficiently understood by instinct: the same 

 situation is perseveringly resorted to from year to year. Much 

 discussion has taken place on the question, whether the 

 Kingfisher forms an artificial nest or not, the eggs being 

 often found 'on the cold ground,' and often on a layer of 

 fish bones. My theory has for some time been that no nest 

 is formed, but, that the bird resorting to the same locality 

 year after year, a conglomerate of bones is by degrees formed, 

 on which the eggs being necessarily laid, a nominal nest is 

 in such case found. Since forming this theory I see that it 

 is borne out by other writers. One has been found in Corn- 

 wall, in May, 1817, which was composed of dry grass, lined 

 with hairs, and a few feathers; so at least says 'C,' in. the 

 'Magazine of Natural History,' vol. iii, page 175. The nest 

 has been found at a distance from water, in a hole in a bank 

 frequented by Sand Martins; and one is recorded in 'Jesse's 

 Gleanings in Natural History,' as having been placed in the 

 bank of a dry gravel pit, near Hampton Court; another has 

 been found 'in a hole on the margin of the sea, a quarter 

 of a mile distant from a rivulet.' The young remain in the 

 nest until fully fledged, and able to fly. For a short time 

 they then, perched on some neighbouring branch, receive their 

 food from their parents, who both purvey for them, and whose 

 approach they greet with clamorous twittering; but soon 

 learn to fish for themselves. 



The eggs, six or seven in number, are transparent white, 

 and rather rotund in form. 



Male; weight, one ounce and a half; length, seven inches; 



