Class II. KINGFISHER. 327 



The crown of the head, and the coverts of the 

 wings are of a deep blackish green, spotted with 

 bright azure; the scapular feathers, and coverts 

 of the tail are also of a most splendent azure ; 

 the whole underside of the body is orange 

 colored ; a broad mark of the same passes from 

 the bill beyond the eyes ; beyond that is a large 

 white spot. The tail is short, and consists of 

 twelve feathers of a rich deep blue : the feet 

 are of a reddish yellow ; the inner toe adheres 

 to the middle toe by one joint. 



The kingfisher frequents the banks of rivers, Manners. 

 and feeds on fish. To compare small things to 

 great, it takes its prey after the manner of the 

 osprey, balancing itself at a certain distance over 

 the water for a considerable time, then darting 

 below the surface, brings the prey up in its bill. 

 While it remains suspended in the air, in a 

 bright day, the plumage exhibits a beautiful 

 variety of the most dazzling and brilliant colors. 

 This striking attitude did not escape the notice 

 of the antients, for Ibycus, as quoted by Athen- 

 <eus, styles these birds a.hMiwssra.vwntts^*' the 

 halcyons with expanded wings. It makes its 

 nest in holes in the sides of the cliffs, which it 

 scoops to the depth of three feet, and in holes 



* P. 388. 



