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Birds of Massachusetts. 181 
HALCYONS. 
The Beitep Kinerisuer, Alcedo alcyon, is found 
in the neighborhood of fresh waters over all the 
United States. He may generally be seen sitting on 
some post or dead branch, near a solitary mill-dam, 
quietly watching his prey in the element below. If 
fish do not come near him, he sweeps along the 
course of the stream with rapid flight, and occasion- 
ally hovers over the water, as if watching some- 
thing beneath. Having made sure of his aim, he 
darts down, and seldom rises without his prey. If 
scared from his retreat, he flies off with a grating 
sound of displeasure, resembling the noise of a 
watchman’s rattle. When the northern rivers are 
frozen, the kingfisher resorts to the sea, where it 
may occasionally be seen fishing as in fresh water. 
The nest of this bird, it is well known, is made 
in an excavation, scooped in the side of a bank over- 
hanging a stream or mill pond. It extends to several 
feet in length, with a larger chamber at the end. 
The eggs, about six in number, white, are depos- 
ited on some twigs, grass and feathers. 
SWALLOW TRIBE. 
The Purrre Martin, Hirundo purpurea, is more 
intimate with man than any other native bird. So 
great a favorite is he, that lodgings are provided for 
