BLACK AND WHITE KINGFISHER 
Ceryle rudis 
The whole plumage black and white; feathers on top of 
head form crest ; under surface white. In the male two dark 
bands cross the upper breast, in the female only one; both 
have some thin lance-shaped black markings on the sides ; 
beak and legs black ; eyes brown. Length, 11°5 inches. 
Tuis is a bird few know till they have been up 
the Nile; but when they have, they know it well, 
for it is not at all of a retiring nature, but boldly 
shows itself, and is very fond of sitting in con- 
spicuous places, on the tops of poles, or on the 
dahabeah chains. Many seem to find it difficult 
to understand this is a Kingfisher, since they 
have a preconceived idea that Kingfishers must 
all necessarily be bright-plumaged birds, like the 
preceding species; but the Kingfishers are a very 
large family, and very various in size and colour. 
The Australian “Laughing Jackass” is a King- 
fisher, and there are many others that possess no 
very special brilliance of plumage. 
This Black and White Kingfisher is a true 
resident in Egypt, and just about the time we all 
leave for our homes it sets to work to make one, 
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