Kingfisher

Kingfishers are a type of bird.
== Beliefs ==
In the coastal regions of France, it was believed until at least the 19th century that kingfishers acted as natural weather vanes, always facing the direction the wind is coming from when they have a perch. This belief was adapted from the observation that they seem to study the winds when they make their nests on the water around the winter solstice, leading to the idea that they were blessed with supernatural instincts by God. de Plancy, J. C., (1863). Dictionnaire Infernal. 6ed. pg.16
There was an ancient custom in France to keep kingfishers in chests of fabrics, owing to the belief that they protected the woollen fabrics from worms. This was linked to another belief that having a strung-up kingfisher attached to a ceiling (presumably with a perch) would not only cause it to point towards the wind at all times, but would also protect the structure from worms. 
There was also a belief that a dead kingfisher would continue regrowing feathers as though it was alive, something Albert the Great tried using in his experiments. 
There were a number of other beliefs about kingfishers, such as them making their owners rich, keeping their owner's family together, and making women who wore their feathers more beautiful.
Among the Tartar, Khanty, and Ket peoples, there is a belief that, by collecting kingfisher feathers, putting them in a large vessel of water, collecting the ones that float, and touching people with these feathers, the person touched will find love. The Khanty and Ket peoples made talismans using a pouch, which they would put the preserved beak, legs, and skin of a deceased kingfisher they had domesticated. These talismans were said to protect the wearer from any misfortune as long as they were worn. de Plancy, J. C., (1863). Dictionnaire Infernal. 6ed. pg.17
== Further Reading ==
* On Errors and Prejudices by Salgues
== See Also ==
* Ame Damnee
== References ==
Category:Dictionnaire Infernal
Category:Animals
Category:Magic Items