134 THE ROLLER 



of an alder overhanging the stream, on some bending willow, or 

 lichen-covered rail, the bird which but now glanced by him like a 

 meteor. If exposed to the rays of the sun, the metallic green of its 

 upper plumage is still most conspicuous ; if in the shade, or sur- 

 rounded by leaves, its chestnut red breast betrays its position. 

 Not^a step further in advance, or the fisherman, intent as he is on 

 his sport, will take alarm and be off to another station. With 

 beak pointed downwards it is watching until one among a shoal of 

 minnows or bleaks comes within a fair aim ; then with a twinkle 

 of the wing it dashes head foremost from its post, plunges into the 

 stream, disappears for a second, and emerges still head foremost 

 with its struggling booty. A few pinches with its powerful beak, 

 or a blow against its perch, deprives its prey of life, and the morsel 

 is swallowed entire, head foremost. Occasionally, where convenient 

 perches are rare, as is the case with the little pools left by the tide 

 on the sea-shore (for the Kingfisher is common on the banks of tidal 

 rivers as well as on inland streams and lakes), it hovers like a Kestrel, 

 and plunges after small fish, shrimps, and marine insects. It once 

 happened to me that I was angling by a river's side, quite concealed 

 from view by a willow on either side of me, when a Kingfisher flew 

 down the stream, and perched on my rod. I remained perfectly 

 still, but was detected before an opportunity had been afforded me 

 of taking a lesson from my brother sportsman. 



The Kingfisher is a permanent resident in this country, and may 

 be observed, at any season, wherever there is a river, canal, or lake, 

 those streams being preferred the banks of which are lined with 

 trees or bushes. Like most other birds of brilliant plumage, it is 

 no vocalist ; its only note being a wild piping cry, which it utters 

 while on the wing. Happily the Kingfishers are again on the increase 

 in our country. 



FAMILY CORACIID^E 

 THE ROLLER 



CORACIAS GARRULUS 



Head, neck, and under parts tinged with various shades of light bine, varied 

 with green ; back and scapulars reddish brown ; tail blue, green, and 

 black. Length twelve inches and a half. Eggs smooth shining white. 



About twenty specimens in all of this bird have been observed 

 in England, the one of most recent occurrence being, I believe, 



