﻿patches of feathers on each side of the breast rather more largely developed than usual in 

 the genus Alcedo, and nearly meeting in the centre. 



Very little is known concerning the habits of this Kingfisher, but they are doubtless 

 similar to those of our own well-known bird. I cannot find any difference between speci- 

 mens from different parts of Africa. My friend Mr. W. T. Blanford very kindly submitted to 

 my inspection the only specimen obtained by him during the late Abyssinian Expedition, 

 and this is apparently identical with a specimen from the Cape, sent me by Mr. Layard. It 

 would appear to be most nmnerous in this latter locality, being locally distributed in Abyssinia, 

 and decidedly rare in Western Africa. I have a fine pair in my collection, from the Orange 

 River, and also some specimens obtained at Knysna by the late Mr. Andersson, while Mr. 

 Layard has recorded its occurrence in the actual vicinity of Cape Town. 



Dr. Th. von Heuglin informs us that the present species is found in " Schoa and 

 Abyssinia, generally along the banks of the small rivulets, especially in the marshy 

 ground near Takasseh, between 2,000 and 6,000 feet above the level of the sea." 



Mr. Blanford obtained his specimen near Adigrat at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. 



The description and measurements are taken from a fine male specimen in my collec- 

 tion, from the Orange River. The hinder figure represents a young bird with blackish 

 markings on the breast, for the opportunity of figuring which I am indebted to the kind- 

 ness of Mr. G. Dawson Rowley, who has on several other occasions rendered me valuable 

 assistance in my study of Birds. 



