114 



Adult Female (Cookham) . Differs from the male in having the basal half of the under mandible dull orange ; 

 and the upper parts are a trifle less brightly coloured and more green in tint of colour. 



Young. Upper parts much darker aud duller than in the adult ; underparts dull brownish chestnut, the 

 feathers on the breast edged with greyish green ; bill short, and therefore in appearance stouter than 

 in the adult bird ; legs blackish grey with a reddish tinge, redder on the inner side. 



Obs. The plumage differs but little in winter from that worn in summer; but as the moult takes place 

 late in the year, the winter dress is richer and brighter in colour than the summer one. 



The present species of Kingfisher inhabits the entire temperate portion of the Palsearctic Region, 

 being met with throughout Europe as far north as Scandinavia ; and it also inhabits Northern 

 Africa. Eastward it extends as far as Sindh, being replaced in Eastern Asia by a very closely 

 allied but specifically distinct form, Alcedo bengalensis, Gm. 



In Great Britain it is generally, though sparingly, distributed throughout the country, and 

 ranges tolerably far north in Scotland. It is with us a resident to some extent, and also a partial 

 migrant ; for it generally quits its breeding-haunts during the winter season, though many remain 

 with us throughout the year. Mr. Cecil Smith informs me that he observed it in Guernsey, 

 where it is by no means uncommon amongst the wild rocks on the northern shore, but he never 

 met with it in any of the other Channel Islands. It is, he adds, still as common in Somerset as 

 its numerous persecutors will allow it to be ; and a few breed on the banks of most of the streams 

 and rivers. Mr. Cordeaux says that it is rare and local in the Humber district ; and in Scotland, 

 Mr. Robert Gray writes (B. of W. of Scotl. p. 205), it " occurs in almost every stream south of 

 Sutherlandshire, and in some localities is never absent. It has been found once or twice in Islay, 

 and likewise in Skye." He further adds that he found it breeding in several parts of Lanark- 

 shire and Ayrshire ; and Mr. Harvie-Brown says it is common along the banks of the Carron, in 

 Sterlingshire, and is also well known on the banks of the Endrick and other streams flowing 

 into Loch Lomond. 



In Ireland, Thompson writes (Nat. Hist. Irel. i. p. 369), "it is nowhere numerous; but as 

 many individuals seem to be distributed over districts favourable for their abode in Ireland as in 

 any other country. There is decidedly a partial migration or movement of these birds. They 

 came regularly every year about the same time in the month of August to ponds at our own 

 residence in the country, contiguous to the mountains, and elevated 500 feet above the sea. 

 They remained generally for about six weeks, and once only were seen in winter. Their first 

 appearance in the year 1831 was on the 4th August, in 1833 on the 14th, in 1834 on the 14th, 

 and in 1835 on the 17th of that month." 



Some interesting notes were furnished to Mr. Sharpe and myself respecting the occurrence 

 of the present species in Ireland by Mr. Harry Blake-Knox, which I transcribe as follows: — 

 " Were I to write a history of this species I could only repeat the remarks of other naturalists ; 

 and with regard to its migration in the county Dublin I can say but little, save that it is not a 

 common bird with us except in autumn. I have no doubt it would be a permanent resident in 

 the county and generally throughout Ireland if unmolested, because it breeds in suitable localities 

 and tarries with us frequently through the winter. It looks especially beautiful when seen in 



