108 CAPRIMULGIDJE. 



The principal localities frequented by this bird in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Dublin are the picturesque rivers in its vicinity, 

 the Dodder and the Tolka. It may likewise be observed, that 

 it is owing to the feathers of this bird that the " Limerick 

 flies" have obtained their European celebrity. 



Indigenous. 



SPECIES 106 THE BELTED KINGFISHER. 



Alcedo alcyon. Linn. 

 Martin pecheur alcyon. Degland. 



THIS fine-looking species, as appears from its strong, robust 

 size and shape, is a native of the other side of the Atlantic, 

 and is only found by those great rivers of the American con- 

 tinent where it is more adapted to the scene, owing to its 

 more bulky proportions. In two instances this rare wanderer 

 has been obtained upon our shores, and were the first occur- 

 rence of the species upon the European continent. Both 

 birds, through the kindness of Mr. Glennon, we had the gra- 

 tification of examining and noting in a fresh state. One of 

 these specimens, obtained by J. C. Campion, Esq., is pre- 

 served in the collection of Mr. T. W. Warren ; the other is 

 in the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin. 

 Habitat North America. 



FAMILY XXL CAPRIMULGID^. 



GENUS LV. CAPRIMULGUS (GOATSUCKER). 



SPECIES 107 THE GOATSUCKER. 



Caprimulgus Europeans. Linn. 

 Engoulevant ordinaire. Temm. 



Fern - owl. Night -j ar . 



THIS species is not common, but in favourite localities occurs 

 in limited numbers. Although not remarkable for its bright 

 and varied colours, it is yet one of those unobtrusive, chastely- 

 coloured birds in which the plumage is so beautifully blended 

 as to render it difficult to describe. Closely allied to the 

 swallows by its small bill and feet, together with the great 

 expansion of the mouth, andlts feeding on insects, it as closely 

 resembles the owl in its nocturnal flight, largeness of the eyes, 

 and soft appearance of the plumage. 



So closely do the various species comprised in the Capri- 

 mulgine family correspond in all countries, in the distribution 



