KINGFISHER 
The peculiarities of their form immedi- 
ately distinguish the Kingfishers from 
other birds. The disproportionate length 
of the bill is their chief characteristic. 
The common Kingfisher is found in most 
parts of England. Scarcely any thing 
more beautiful can be conceived than the 
metallic glitter of its plumage as it glides 
along the banks of the river, or darts into 
the water after its struggling prey. Its 
usual method of fishing is by placing it- 
self on a stump or stone overhanging the 
water, from which it watches for the un- 
suspecting fish beneath. After a fish is 
