MANGROVE KINGFISHER. 
Campbell and Barnard wrote {Emu, Vol. XVII., p. 17, 1915) : “ Odd 
birds only of this fine Kingfisher were seen about mangrove creeks (Rocking- 
ham Bay district, N.Q). One would have to endure plagues of mosquitoes 
and to wade knee deep in mud to observe these birds properly, perchance 
to find a nest in some hollow mangrove.” 
Macgillivray {Emu, Vol. XIII., p. 160, 1914) wrote : “ This fine 
species, the largest of the smaller Kingfishers, is migratory. Appearing 
first at Cape York in September, it soon becomes quite numerous in the 
mangroves, where it is always to be found, and never in open forest 
or scrub. It feeds upon the smaller crustaceans, such as crabs, crayfish, 
or shrimps. Its note is similar to that of H. sanctus, but much louder. 
The length in the flesh of an adult male is 10 inches, of a female 9f 
inches ; irides brown, bill black, legs dark lead colour. No nests were 
found.” 
I have some remarks upon this migration from Cape York in connec- 
tion with the succeeding species. It will be an interesting problem to 
discover the route and the length of the flight these suggested migratory 
species take. At the present time we have no evidence as to their “ winter ” 
habitat, and consequently only vain conjecture could be indulged in. 
The dull coloration of this species has not allowed much subdivision, 
and it seems doubtful whether it is really specifically separable from 
chloris Boddaert, but as both are recognised from the Aru Islands, and 
as there are several conflicting elements, such as Halcyon (Enigma Hartert, 
I recognise the Australian sordidus as a distinct species. I do not, 
however, include in the species the form Hartert called H. s. colonus 
from the Louisiade Archipelago. That species is very distinct, even as 
Hartert indicated, though he described it with subspeciflc rank only. 
I have separated three subspecies, indicating Cape York as the 
typical locality. 
Halcyon sordidus cooktowni. 
“ Differs from H. s. sordidus in its longer bill (from nostril to tip 
50 mm., typical birds 45 mm.), and in having the head darker oli^e. 
Cooktown, Queensland.” 
Halcyon sordidus melvillensis. 
“ Differs from H. s. sordidus in its much paler upper-surface and 
much smaller bill. 
Melville Island.” 
Sauropatis sordida colcloughi. 
“ Differs from S. s. sordida (Gould) in being more brilliantly coloured. 
The blue in all the feathers of the head, back, and tail being most 
195 
