chap, x.] BE. I UTIFUL BIRDS. 2 4 .") 



could swallow such large masses, or that it could obtain 

 any nourishment from them ; yet I often shot these birds 

 with several palm-fruits in the crop, which generally burst 

 when they fell to the ground. I obtained here eight 

 species of Kingfishers, among which was a very beautiful 

 new one, named by Mr. Gould, Halcyon fulgidus. It was 

 found always in thickets, away from water, and seemed to 

 feed on snails and insects picked up from the ground after 

 the manner of the great Laughing Jackass of Australia. 

 The beautiful little violet and orange species (Ceyx rufi- 

 dorsa) is found in similar situations, and darts rapidly 

 along like a flame of fire. Here also I first met with the 

 pretty Australian Bee-eater (Merops ornatus). This elegant 

 little bird sits on twigs in open places, gazing eagerly 

 around, and darting off at intervals to seize some insect 

 which it sees flying near ; returning afterwards to the 

 same twig to swallow it. Its long, sharp, curved bill, the 

 two long narrow feathers in its tail, its beautiful green 

 plumage varied with rich brown and black and vivid blue 

 on the throat, render it one of the most graceful and 

 interesting objects a naturalist can see for the first time. 



Of all the birds of Lombock, however, I sought most 

 after the beautiful ground thrushes (Pitta concinna), and 

 always thought myself lucky if I obtained one. They were 

 found only in the dry plains densely covered with thickets, 

 and carpeted at this season with dead leaves. They were 



