B/RDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
163 
Plate XXVIII. 
CEEYLE ALCYON, (Lini^.) Boie. 
Belted Kingfisher. 
Excepting a very near and more powerful cousin which inhabits the 
seasliore and pellucid streams of California, the above species is the sole 
representative of its family in the United States. No bird is more 
distinctly characterized, and few are better known. The first sight of it, 
with its long-pointed, heavily-set bill, ashy-blue crest, robust and well-knit 
frame, and short but sinewy legs, cannot fail to leave an indelible impres- 
sion ujion the mind, which nothing short of mental amaurosis can 
obliterate. 
Go where we will throughout the length and breadth of the land, 
and the loud, harsh cry of this bird, which resembles the noise emitted 
by a watchman’s rattle, reminds us of its presence. Nor need we confine 
our journeyings to such limits. But let us venture into the barren, inhos- 
pitable realms of the North, where the stunted and poverty- pinched 
Esquimau resides and ekes out a somewhat precarious existence, and our 
friend still bears us company. 
Fond of the scenes of its nativity, scarcely have their waters become 
released from the icy fetters of winter by the breath of Phoebus, than they 
are made vocal and cheerful by these proverbial and venturesome fishers. 
The murmuring brook, the rushing torrent, the gentle waterfall, and awe- 
inspiring sea, all court its presence, and offer a generous and willing- 
support. 
Like love-sick sw-ains of whom poets have delighted to sing, they seek 
such haunts, not more for their soothing, quieting influences, than for 
