94 GREAT AFRICAN KINGFISHER. 
back. It is impossible, however, to describe all the 
slight variations which these markings assume in 
different parts of the plumage. It will be suffi - 
cient, therefore, to observe that there is a row of 
seven on each of the tail-feathers, which are placed 
at alternate distances; the middle of each feather 
is more or less black, which colour predominates 
towards the head, and leaves the crest black and 
unspotted ; the cheeks are white, bordered by black 
spots, while those on the flanks run into transverse 
bands. A conspicuous white spot is placed just 
before the eye; the tail is moderate and rounded, 
and the hind head crested. Only one specimen 
was sent from Senegal, so that we know not whether 
the sexes, as is usual in this genus, are differently 
coloured. 
Total length, 14£ inches ; bill, from the front, 3j 2 0 ; 
wings, 8 ; tail beyond, 2 ; ditto from the base, 4j. 
