138 
NATURAL HISTORY 
KING FISHER. 
The King Fisher is not much larger than 
a common sparrow*, its shape is clumsy; 
its legs are disproportionably small, and its 
beak is disproportionably long. From the 
diminutive size, the slender short legs, and 
the beautiful colours of this bird, no person 
would suppose it. one of the most, rapacious 
animals that skim the deep. Yet it is for 
ever on the wing, and feeds on fish, which 
it takes in surprising quantities. It chiefly 
frequents tire banks of rivers, and takes its 
prey after the manner of the osprey, by 
balancing itself at a certain distance above 
the water, then darting into the deep, and 
seizing the fish with inevitable certainty* 
While it remains suspended in the air, in ft 
bright day, its plumage exhibits a variety ot 
the most dazzling and brilliant colours. 
