Birds of Kohat and Karr am. 
251 
Passes through Kohat in April and the beginning of May, 
returning in August and September. Possibly a few pairs 
nest round Thall; several were certainly there up to the 
time that I left (May 20th), and Capt. Keen informs me 
that he saw some there in July. This species breeds freely 
in the Kurram Valley from 3000 to 7000 feet. Towards the 
end of July, when nesting-operations were over, flocks of 
from ten to forty used to fly up the valleys of the Safed 
Koh to tree-limit (12,000 feet) every morning, and return 
at dusk. 
[1033 ] Ceryle varia. The Indian Pied Kingfisher. 
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (common at Thall : 
nests in March) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (very common 
up to 6000 ft.). 
A resident, but not very common, though found along 
most of the streams of the District, and in the Kurram 
Valley at least up to Dandar (4700 feet). 
[1035.] Alcedo ispida. The Common Kingfisher. 
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (Thall: an uncommon 
resident) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (Quetta: common in 
spring) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 689 (a common resident 
in Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (abundant in Kashmir 
up to 6004 ft.). 
The Kingfisher is common in cold weather, even about 
cantonments, and, never being molested, shews little fear of 
man. 
It nests fairly commonly in the Miranzai and Kurram 
Valleys, but only a few pairs stay to breed in the plains 
around Kohat. It may often be seen hovering over water 
after the manner of Ceryle varia , if no perch is available. 
[1044.] Halcyon smyrnensis. The White-breasted King¬ 
fisher. 
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (Thall: common); 
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (occurs in Poonch). 
Abundant in Kohat and up to Sadda (3500 feet) in the 
Kurram Valley. A permanent resident. This bird picks up 
