The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1883-11-03
The Belted Kingfisher.

LIS Dllu Wlu0 ClllCu1
species in the northern and central sec
tlons Of our country. 1t never entirely
deserts us, but when the winters are
favorable, permanently dwells in our
midst. 1t is not, however, so common
as in the spring and fall, nor does 1t
render itself so conspicuous as then. In
warm, sheltered localities on the Wissa-
hickon we have observed it in the
months of January and February-the
same oddly-dressed and uDcouth figure,
but lacking in voice and spirit. Farther
southwark, where the orange and bana-
ma bud and bloom the whole year round
it loses none of its wonted energy, but
is the same joyous, happy fellow. PERCH
ed upon projecting snag or tree branch,
overlooking some expanse Of water, we
see it In imagination, as we have oft
seen it with the bodily eye, the very
picture of patience and perseverance,
awaiting with anxious expectancy the
appearance of It's finny prey. The quiet
ness of the grave reigns around. Not a
feather of the bird flutters, not note
escapes its bill. You fancy it to be as
leep, but you are mistaken, for while
you are cogitating and wondering what
all this means you are startled from
your dreaming by a sudden dash and
splash, which are quickly followed by
loud, harsh, exultant cry, resembling
the sound of watchman's rattle, which
tells you that the Shiny victim has been
secured and swallowed. All this has
been done in the twinkling of an eye,
and our worthy friend is ready for
another adventure. Although strongly
piscivorous by nature, yet there are
good grounds for believing that the
king6shers does not conline itself to a
fish diet, for several stomach examins.
tions which we have made show indis-
putable traces of insects as well. Ants,
earthworms, ground beetles and cater
pliers have been detected, and in a
solitary instance, the wings and legs of
q species of moth, allied to the arctianS.
The nest of this bird is built in holes
excavated in the sides of ponds,
streams or cliffs contiguous to water,
With us, railroad cuttings afford con-
venient places. The burrows are ordi-
narily made in dry ground beyond the
reach of inundations, and are the re-
suits of the labor of both birds working
by turns. Where the bank is soft and
sandy, a deep excavation is often made
in single night. These cavities vary
in direction and depth, some being less
than four, while others are more than
fifteen feet deep, some being almost
vertical, while others turn either to the
right or the left before terminating in
the chamber which is constructed fol
the eggs. The time spent varies from
two to four days, and depends upon the
character of the soil and the depths Of
the burrow. Usually the birds dispense
with lining, and deposit their eggs
upen the bare sand. Where the soil IL
damp and cold, the bedding of dried
grasses and feathers secures the neces
sary warmth and protection. Nests
have, in a few cases, been discovered
quite remote from water, but these art
the exception rather than the rule
When once pair Of kingfishers have
become established in certain neigh
borhood, they visit it year after year, Sc
strong in their attachment to past
scenes and associations. Repeated de
secrations Of their homes do not avail
to drive them away; for nothing short
Of the destruction of both birds them
selves can accomplish this object.
The nest being completed, the femal'
at once commences to deposit her oom
plement of eggs. These, to the numbe
of six, are laid In as many consecutiv,
days. Incubation is now in order
/ Upon her devolves this trying apparent
, ly arduous duty, which she accomplish
, es in little more than fourteen days
, While thus occupied, the male is watch
, full and consderate, and, like faithful
J and loving husband, attends to he
every want. Her leisure moments ar
sometimes spent in digging holes by tn
|, side of the nest, but, whether TO
a amusement or occupation, we canno
say. But as these burrows, whicl
sometimes attain considerable size, ar
always abandoned as soon as they ar
constructed, we are inclined to believ
: that they are built for one or the othe
: purpose, or, possibly, both.
When the young are first hatche'
: they are fed upon the macerated foo
!. of their parents for period of a wee
. : or ten days, AT the age of fifteen day
: : they are able to leave the nest, bu
i usually remain a brief period longel
), before they are fitted to care for then
selves. They do not, however, forsak
the spot of their nativity, but linge
about until the close of October or LAT
7 in November, when they retire wit
: their parents to other scenes.