With no attempt at concealment, which he doubtless understands would be quite impossible, he chooses some high, conspicuous perch to which he mounts by easy stages, singing as he goes; and there begins a loud and rapid strain that promises much, but growing weaker and weaker, ends as if the bird were either out of breath or too weak to finish. Then suddenly he begins the same song over again, and keeps up this continuous performance for nearly half an hour. The noonday heat of an August day that silences nearly every other voice, seems to give to the indigo bird's only fresh animation and timbre.
BELTED KINGFISHER
(Upper Figure, Female; Lower Figure, Male)
BLUE JAY
The Belted Kingfisher
(Ceryle alcyon) Kingfisher family
Called also: THE HALCYON
(Illustration facing p. [48])
Length—12 to 13 inches. About one-fourth as large again as the robin.
Male—Upper part grayish blue, with prominent crest on head reaching to the nape. A white spot in front of the eye. Bill longer than the head, which is large and heavy. Wings and the short tail minutely speckled and marked with broken bands of white. Chin, band around throat, and underneath white. Two bluish bands across the breast and a bluish wash on sides.
Female—Female and immature specimens have rufous bands where the adult male's are blue. Plumage of both birds oily.