118 THE KING-FISHER. 



large and long. They do not seize their prey with 

 their claws, like the fish-hawk, but take it with their 

 bills. There are several species of this tribe, only one 

 of which is found in this country. 



THE BELTED KING-FISHER. 



How large is the Belted King-fisher ? 



The Belted King-fisher is about one foot long, and 

 twehty inches in extent, when the wings are spread. 



What is the shape of this bird ? 



In shape it is short and thick ; the head is large and 

 crested ; the legs short and small ; and the bill re- 

 markably long, thick, and sharp. 



What is the colour of this bird ? 



Its prevailing colour is light blue ; around the neck, 

 there is a belt of white, from which the bird takes its 

 name ; the breast is red, mixed with blue ; the under 

 parts are white, with a spot of red just before the legs ; 

 the bill is black, with a w r hite spot near the root of the 

 lower mandible. 



Where does the Belted King-fisher live ? 



This bird is found in most parts of the United States 

 where there are rivers, seas, or lakes. 



In what situation does the King-fisher make its nest? 



The King-fisher makes its nest in the ground. The 

 female finds a sandy place on the bank of the river, or 

 lake, and there digs a hole with her bill and claws, 

 three or four feet into the bank. Into this hole she 

 carries some grass, and on it lays her eggs, and 

 hatches her young. 



The King-fisher is among the most beautiful of our 

 birds. He may be seen on almost any summers' day, 

 sitting on some dry tree or post near the water's edge, 



