THE KINGFISHERS. 



plumage and habit of sitting motionless on a perch 

 and 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 portions 

 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 

 plunging, 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^alFover the world, and vary con- 

 siderably in size ; but they are always easily recognizable, 

 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 



