160 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
the winged race, being seen around our habitations, 
and in our gardens and orchards. It is very coura- 
geous, and will boldly attack birds ten times larger 
than itself. 
164. It usually builds its nest under the eaves of 
houses, or in holes in the walls. The affection of 
the female towards her young is proverbially strong. 
THE KINGFISHER. 
165. The Kingfisher is a very beautiful bird. 
The top of the head and sides of the body are green- 
ish, marked with traverse spots of blue ; the tail is 
blue, and the breast and lower parts of the body are 
whitish, with a tinge of orange. The bill is near 
two inches long. 
166. This bird is supposed to be the Halcyon of 
the ancients, who believed that while the female 
brooded over her eggs, the sea remained unmoved 
by storms, and thence arose the expression of halcyon 
What is said of the Sparrow’s familiarity ? of its courage ? of 
its affection for its young ? 
Describe the Kingfisher’s appearance. What is this bird sup- 
posed to be ? 
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