12 
BEAUTIFUL BIRDS. 
braced bv- the hinder toe ; this fact is further confirmed 
by the unusual flatness of the soles of all, and by the 
acuteness of tlie claws, whicli, from being but slightly 
curved, would not, upon a small branch, come into con- 
tact with the wood ; this union of the three anterior 
toes, by producing considerable breadth of sole, gives 
an unusual degree of steadiness to the bird, highly 
conducive to its remaining very long in one position. 
Thus we see tliat the foot of the Kingfisher, which 
at first appears so very imperfect, and so totally use- 
less for ordinary purposes, is that which is most of 
all suited to the habits and wants of the bird.* 
As it is usual for these birds to procure a consider- 
able portion of their food from water, the general form 
of the Kingfisher is that which is best adapted for sud- 
den plunges ; the bill and head are large in comparison 
with the rest of the frame ; but the former is long and 
pointed, and acts as a kind of fishing-spear, attenuated 
towards the point, and supported by the rounded 
wings, so ill adapted for long-continued rapid flight, 
but well suited to the dipping habits of their pos- 
sessor. The plumage is of that nature 'which is im- 
pervious to water, and the powers of its sight are 
acute and quick. 
The species of Kingfisher indigenous to Eritain is 
Alcedo isjpida. It is a splendid little bird, and its 
history is so replete with classical associations and 
poetic fictions, that it becomes an interesting subject 
in many respects. The very name of Halcyon (uAkuui/ 
of the Grreeks) conjures up a thousand pleasing recol- 
lections of fabled legends that we have read in foreign 
* Classification of Birds, Swainson. 
