The RED-BREASTED TREE ALCYON (_Halcyon rufiventris_) is black on the
mantle, and reddish brown on the under side; the head, back, and sides of
the throat are ash-grey; the lower part of the back, the tail, and a large
spot on the wings are of a metallic green; the front of the throat is pure
white, the breast dirty white, and the cheek-stripes black. When seen from
beneath, the wing is of reddish brown, marked with white, and tipped with
black; the under side of the tail is similarly coloured; the eye is brown,
the beak and feet red. This species is eight inches and a half long; the
wing measures three inches and a half, and the tail two inches and a half.
The _Halcyon rufiventris_ is an inhabitant of Western and Central Africa,
where, according to our own observations in Eastern Soudan, it principally
frequents well-watered and woodland districts, in preference to the scanty
growth of brushwood to be found in the vast and arid steppes. The nest
usually contains three round, glossy white eggs; these are laid in October
or November, and are hatched by the united care of both parents; on the
male alone, however, devolves the task of rearing the nestlings.
* * * * *
The WOOD ALCYONS (_Todiramphus_) have the beak still shorter, broader,
and more decidedly turned upwards than in the birds last mentioned; the
wing is also somewhat larger, and its second quill almost equals the
third in length. The various members of this group principally inhabit
Australia and the most extensive of the neighbouring islands; whilst in
India, although they are occasionally met with, the species are few and
comparatively rare.
[Illustration: GREY KINGFISHERS (_Ceryle rudis_).]