﻿a larger race of Ceryle guttata. As far as our knowledge of the two species extends we 

 have only practical evidence of the one being met with in the Himalayas, and of the other 

 being confined to Japan, no specimens of a large spotted Kingfisher having been procured in 

 the intervening country; but Temminck .distinctly states that Chinese writers mention it 

 as an inhabitant of Northern China, and is therefore possible that a form may yet be found 

 in the mountains of this part of the continent, which may connect the two races. I have 

 thought it best, however, to give a full description of the Japanese bird, but have not 

 given a figure of it, inasmuch as in colour and markings it exactly resembles the Hima- 

 layan Spotted Kingfisher. The following is a comparison of the measurements of a 

 Japanese specimen with two Himalayan birds now lying before me. 



1. Ceryle lugubris . . Nagasaki (Whitely). Long. tot. 16. inches, al. 7.6, rostr. 2.3. 



2. Ceryle guttata . . Himalaya (mus. B. B. S.). „ „ 14. „ „ 7.0, „ 2.3. 



3. „ „ . fi » „ » 14.5 „ „ 7.1, M 2.3. 



I could give a longer series of comparative measurements, but those brought forward 

 are sufficient to show that the Japanese bird is a little larger, and this, with the addition 

 of the slightly more compressed bill, is really the only difference. 



The following observations, taken from Prof. Temminck's original description in the 

 "Planches Coloriees" is all that we know respecting the habits of the present species: — 



"This new species was brought by M. van Siebold from Japan, where it is very 

 rare. The native Japanese names for it are Samo-dori (Spotted Bird), Kabuto-dori 

 (Crested Bird), Kawara-dori (River Bird), and in Chinese Kon-fu-tsjo (Pretty female of a 

 bird), or Kica-van-tsjo (Little spotted flower of a bird). It is found on the borders of 

 rivers and torrents, where it feeds on fishes and worms ; it appears to be spread over the 

 three large islands in Japan. M. Siebold observed it near Nagasaki and Jedo. It is men- 

 tioned in Chinese writings as inhabiting the north of China and the adjacent island of Corea. 

 The Japanese value it as an object of curiosity and keep it in confinement." 



I have only met with one specimen of Cei^yle hgufons in England. This was in Mr. 

 Gould's collection, and with his usual courtesy was lent to me by that gentleman for the use 

 of the present work. It was brought from Nagasaki by Mr. Whitely during his recent 

 expedition to Japan. The description and measurements are from this specimen. 



