THE KINGFISHERS. 135 



flying out every now and then after some passing 

 insect. 



The figure (Fig. 2) on plate IV will give a good idea of 

 its form. In colour it varies somewhat ; it is found 

 almost all over India, Ceylon and Burma, though it does not 

 ascend the hills ; and specimens from the eastern por- 

 tions of its range are more or less bronzed on the head, while 

 in the north-west of India the throat is often blue. 

 Out of India it is found as far as North-East Africa on the 

 west, and Cochin China on the east. 



It breeds from March till June, making the usual 

 burrow. It is a lively cheerful little bird, with a pretty 

 chirping note and very graceful flight. It is so active 

 on the wing that it may be seen to take its bath by plung- 

 ing like a swallow ; it is also fond of dusting itself, 

 and several will settle on a road together to indulge in 

 a scuffle among the sand. It could probably be kept in 

 confinement, but is far better left to enjoy its liberty. 



THE KINGFISHERS. 



Kingfishers are found all over the world, and very 

 considerably in size ; but they are always easily recog- 

 nizable, having very large heads, with a long straight stout 

 bill ; their tongues are, on the other hand, very small, 

 their feet are small, with three united toes in front, and 

 one behind, as in the Bee-eaters. 



Like those birds, they burrow out a nest in a bank and 

 lay white eggs ; but they are not in the least sociable 

 and it is only in the breeding-season that one sees even 

 a pair together. Their plumage is usually very showy, 



