THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
101 
surprising, as they are very dexterous with their 
beaks when seizing their prey. We have tried to 
rear others in a common cage, feeding them partly, 
on flesh, but never succeeded/' 
According to Wilson's American Ornithology, one 
species only, the Belted Kingfisher {Alcedo, Alcyon^) 
is known in the United States. He observes, " This 
is a general inhabitant of the banks and shores of all 
our fresh water rivers, from Hudson's bay to Mexico ; 
and is the only species of its tribe found within the 
United States. This last circumstance, and its cha- 
racteristic appearance, make it as universally known 
here as its elegant little brother, the common king- 
fisher of Europe, is in Britain. Like the love-lorn 
swains of whom poets tell us, he delights in mur- 
muring streams and falling waters ; not, however, 
merely that they may soothe his ear, but for a 
gratification somewhat more substantial. 
" Amidst the roar of the cataract, or over the foam 
of a torrent, he sits perched upon an overhanging 
bough, glancing his piercing eye in every direction 
below, for his scaly prey, which, with a sudden 
circular plunge, he sweeps from their native element, 
and swallows in an instant. His voice, which is not 
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