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HALCYONTD.E. 



but we believe that a careful comparison of it with a living 

 bird would show that we have not overrated its splendour. 



The Kingfisher is a well-known inhabitant of all the milder 

 climates of Europe, wherever there is fresh water abounding 

 with small fry, such as minnows, bleak, dace, small gudgeons, 

 &c. In England, this species is indigenous, and may be met 

 with at all times of the year, both in warm weather and dur- 

 ing the severest frosts. It appears attached to particular 

 localities, which it never deserts unless driven by want during 

 a severe winter to seek for the more open springs that are 

 usually to be found by the sea-side. 



The Kingfisher is a solitary and unsociable bird, and will 

 not permit the approach of an intruder of its own species 

 within the haunts of its customary range or hunting-ground, 

 but chases any that invade its privacy until driven from the 

 spot ; it is only on such occasions, or during the pairing 

 season, that two of these birds can be seen flying together. 



The favourite haunt of the Kingfisher is on the banks 

 of a river, lake, or running stream, which is supplied with 

 branches that overhang the water in such a manner as to 

 enable the bird to sit and wait in that position for its prey to 

 come within its sight and reach. 



It is exceedingly interesting to watch the Kingfisher in the 

 act of taking its prey. When on the watch for food, 

 perched either on the branch of a tree, a stump, a post, or 

 railing by the water-side, it may be seen from time to time 

 plunging into the water, and almost instantaneously rising 

 again with its beak foremost, holding between its mandibles a 

 small fish, with which it returns to its former perch for the 

 purpose of consuming it. This it effects by swallowing the 

 fish entire with the head foremost, after having crushed and 

 pinched it to death. When this is achieved, the bird returns 

 again and again to the attack until satisfied. 



We have also frequently seen this bird stationary on the 



