Ordo INnsEssores.
Stirps Fisstrostres.
Fam. Hatcyonip 2.

Genus Atcepo, Auct.

TAB. V.
ALCEDO GUTTATUS.

Alc. cristatus, supra ater, maculis rotundis albis guttatim notatus ; subtus albus; coll lateribus
pectoreque atro maculatis.

Longitudo corporis, 1 ped. 3 unc.; ale, 64 unc. ; rostrt, 3; caude, 44+ ; tarsi, 1.

Tus Aingsfsher is nearly equal in size to the well-known South African species Acedo maximus, to which it
bears a close affinity; the round white spots on the back form, however, a well-marked specific difference.
The species, as far as is yet known, appears confined to the Himalayan district. The collection which
formed the foundation of this Work contained only one example; which, with a solitary specimen in the col-
lection of the Hon. C. J. Shore, killed in Sukneana, a district adjoining the Doon, are the only individuals
that have as yet been brought to this country.

The specimen in the Hon. C. J. Shore’s collection offers some little differences in colour from the specimen
figured, having faint transverse bars of an ash-colour pervading the whole of the flanks; the throat also is
surrounded by a faint rufous-coloured crescent intermingled with dark blotches. This rufous colour, although
not permanent, pervades at certain seasons a number of the species of this genus. Mr. Shore considers both
sexes alike in plumage. It feeds on fish, aquatic insects, &c., and is called by the natives Muchee-bag, i. e.
Fish-tiger. Mr. Shore informs us, that ‘‘ it constructs a nest among large stones, composed of mud lined

with grasses adhering to the side of a stone similar to the nest of the swallow ; and lays four eggs coloured
hke itself.”