BRITISH BIRDS, 
23 
Kiiigfifliers are not fo numerous as might be ex« 
pefled from the number of eggs found in their neftsj 
owing probably to the young being deftroyed by the 
floods, which mull often rife above the level of the 
holes where they are bred. 
Except in the breeding feafon, this bird is ufual- 
ly feen alone, flying near the furface of the water 
with the rapidity of an arrow, like a little brilliant 
meteor, by which appearance the eye is enabled to 
follow its long-continued courfe. Confidering the 
fliortnefs of its wings, the velocity with which it 
flies is furpriflng. 
Ornithologifts inform us that Kingfifliers are 
found in aimoft every part of the globe ; but it 
does not appear that more than this one fpecies has 
ever been feen in Europe. 
