Vol. X. 

 1911 



] Hih-L, Field Notes on Birds of Kimberley, N.-W.Atisi. 271 



Alcyone pulchra (Purple Kingfisher), 



A scarce species. .Small fish, caught in salt and fresh water, appear to be 

 their only food. 



Measurements of birds in mm. : — 



Total length. Wing. Tarsus. Bill. Tail. 



(? ... 170 ... 72 ... 10 ... 46 ... 31 

 (J ... 176 ... 74 ... II ... 41 ... 32.5 



Dacelo cervina (Fawn-breasted Kingfisher). 



Very uncommon. As a rule they are extremely difficult to approach, but 

 during the heat of the day they will frequently remain motionless and 

 hidden amongst the leaves of small eucalypts until very closely approached. 

 Scorpions appear to be their favourite article of diet. 



Measurements of birds in mm. : — 



Halcyon pyrrhopygius (Red-backed Kingfisher). 

 A rare bird, generally seen in the open forest. 

 Measurements of bird in mm. : — 



Halcyon sanctus (Sacred Kingfisher). 

 A common species in the mangroves and timbered country. 

 Measurements of birds in mm. : — 



Total length. Wing. Tarsus. Bill. Tail. 



c? ... 223 ... 90 ... 15 ... 39 ... 61 

 ? ... 182 ... 92 ... 12 ... 41 ... 56 

 $ ... 210 ... 86.5 ... 13 ... 38 ... 57 



Halcyon westralasianus (Western Sacred Kingfisher). 



Less numerous than H, sancfus, and generally found in or near the man- 

 groves. 



Measurements of birds in mm. : — 



Merops ornatus (Bee-eater). 



Birds were seen at frequent intervals during the ten months I spent in the 

 district, but they rarely stayed more than a few days. It was almost impos- 

 sible to follow their erratic movements through the timbered country with 

 sufficient accuracy to determine their course. However, the following notes 

 were recorded when favourable opportunities for observation occurred : — 

 Small flocks arrived at Mission Station from the north on i8th and 22nd 

 March. Small flocks passed over station on 27th April and 17th May, flying 

 east. Numerous on Hecla Island 13th February ; flew in south-easterly 

 direction on leaviny^ the island. 



