212 
OUR HOME BIRDS. 
a security for fair weather. It is neither venerated, 
like those of the Society Isles, nor dreaded, like those 
of some other countries, but is considered merely as 
a bird that feeds on fish, is generally fat, relished by 
some as good eating, and is now and then seen ex- 
posed for sale in our markets.’ 
“ ‘ The kingfisher is said to delight in murmuring 
streams and falling waters; not that they may soothe 
his ear with their melody, but for much more practi- 
cal reasons. As he feeds entirely on fish and aquatic 
insects, his residence is naturally placed on the banks 
of rivers, lakes, and creeks, and sometimes on the 
seashore. Amidst the roar of the cataract or over 
the foam of a torrent he sits perched upon an over- 
hanging bough, glancing his piercing eye in every 
direction below for his scaly prey, which, with a sud- 
den circular plunge, he sweeps from their native ele- 
ment and swallows in an instant. His voice, which 
is not unlike the twirling of a watchman’s rattle, is 
naturally loud, harsh, and sudden, but is softened 
by the sound of the brawling streams and cascades 
among which he generally rambles. Mill-dams are 
particularly visited by this feathered fisher, and the 
sound of his pipe is as well known to the miller as 
the rattling of his own hopper.’ 
“ The nest of this Bird is quite a different affair 
from nests generally, being dug in some steep, dry 
