﻿Mr. Ayres, to whom we arc indebted for several very interesting field-notes published 

 at various times in Mr Gurney's papers in the " Ibis," gives us the following description 

 of the habits of the present Kingfisher. " These birds as far as I know, are only 

 found upon the mangroves which line the bay ; they feed principally upon small crabs, 

 though fish are sometimes taken by them. They are generally seen singly or in pairs, and 

 are only here during the winter months, leaving us on the approach of summer ; they are 

 rather shy birds, and dive into the dense mangrove-bush when alarmed." 



The description and measurements given above are taken from a very beautiful skin sent 

 by Mr. Ayres from Natai, and now in the collection of the Rev. H. B. Tristram, who has 

 kindly lent it to me. The plate is drawn from the same specimen. Very little difference 

 is to be seen between the sexes, though according to Mr. Ayres, the female has the bill 

 dusky towards the tip, and the plumage less brilliant. 



