trast KOTNGF 1S HER. 
fame paffes from the bill beyond the eyes; beyond 
that is a large white fpot: the tail is fhort, and con- 
fifts of twelve feathers of a rich deep blue: the feet 
are of a reddifh yellow: the three lower joints of 
the outmoft toe adhere to the middle toe: the in- 
ner toe adheres to it by one joint. 
The kinefifher frequents the banks of rivers, and 
feeds on fifth. To compare {mall things to great, 
it takes its prey after the manner of the o/prey, ba- 
lancing itfelf at a certain diftance over the water 
for a confiderable fpace, then darting below the 
furface, brings the prey up in its feet. While it 
remains fuipended in the air, in a bright day, the 
plumage exhibits a moft beautiful variety of the 
moft dazzling and brillant colors. This ftriking 
attitude did not efcape the notice of the antients, 
for Ibycus, as quoted by Athenzus, fkyles thefe 
birds aanuoves tawaimrega *, the halcyons with expanded 
wings. It makes its neft in holes in the fides of the. 
cliffs, which it fcoops to the depth of three feet ; 
and lays from five to nine eggs +, of a moft beau- 
tiful femi-tranfparent white. The neft is very 
fetid, by reafon of the remains of the fifa broughr 
to feed the young. 
_ This fpecies is the danwwvapw@, or mute balcyon 
of Ariftotlet, which he defcribes with more preci- 
eT ae 
+ Ge/ner fays he found nine young in one neft, 
t Hit. an. 852, 1050. 
fioa 
247 
