KINGFISHERS. FAMILY ALCEDINIDÆ
BELTED KINGFISHER
Ceryle alcyon. [Case 3], Fig. 18; [Case 5], Fig. 10
The female resembles the male, but the sides and the band across the breast are reddish brown. This is our only Kingfisher. Crest, color, size, habits, all distinguish him. L. 13.
Range. North America; winters from Illinois and Virginia, southward; migrates north in early April.
Washington, common P.R., except in midwinter. Ossining, common S.R., Apl. 1-Nov. 23; casual in winter. Cambridge, common S.R., Apl. 10-Nov. 1; rare W.V. N. Ohio, common S.R., Mch. 20-Nov. 1; rare W.V. Glenn Ellyn, isolated pairs, Apl. 1-Nov. 19. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 21-Dec. 12.
The Belted Kingfisher is a watchman of the waterways who sounds his loud rattle when we trespass on his territory, a gallant fisherman, who, like a Falcon 'waits on' with fluttering wing, and the moment his aim is taken plunges headlong with a splash on some fish that has ventured too near the surface.
The nest is made at the end of a burrow in a bank; 5-8 white eggs are laid in May.