TRIBE II. 
AMBULATORES, Illiger. 
FAMILY VI. 
ANGULIRO STRES, Illiger. 
GENUS VII. — ALCEDO, Linnjsus. 
48. ALCEDO ALCYON , LINNJEUS BELTED KINGSFISHER. 
WILSON, PL. XXIII. FIG. I. — FEMALE. — EDINBURGH COLLEGE 
MUSEUM. 
This is a general inhabitant of the banks and shores 
of all our fresh water rivers, from Hudson’s Bay to 
Mexico ; and is the only species of its tribe found within 
the United States. This last circumstance, and its 
characteristic appearance, make it as universally known 
here, as its elegant little brother, the common kingsfisher 
of Europe, is in Britain. Like the love-lorn swains, of 
whom poets tell us, he delights in murmuring streams and 
falling waters ; not, however, merely that they may sooth 
his ear, but for a gratification somewhat more substantial. 
Amidst the roar of the cataract, or over the foam of a 
torrent, he sits perched upon an overhanging bough, 
glancing his piercing eye in every direction below for 
his scaly prey, which, with a sudden circular plunge, he 
sweeps from their native element, and swallows in an 
instant. His voice, which is not unlike the twirling of 
a watchman’s rattle, is naturally loud, harsh, and sudden ; 
but is softened by the sound of the brawling streams 
and cascades among which he generally rambles. He 
courses along the windings of the brook or river, at a 
small height above the surface, sometimes suspending 
himself by the rapid action of his wings, like certain 
