I Obtained Here Eight Species Of
Kingfishers; Among Which Was A Very Beautiful New One, Named By
Mr. Gould, Halcyon Fulgidus.
It was found always in thickets,
away from water, and seemed to feed on snails and insects picked
up from the ground after the manner of the great Laughing Jackass
of Australia.
The beautiful little violet and orange species
(Ceyx rufidorsa) is found in similar situations, and darts
rapidly along like a flame of fire. Here also I first met with
the pretty Australian Bee-eater (Merops ornatus). This elegant
little bird sits on twigs in open places, gazing eagerly around,
and darting off at intervals to seize some insect which it sees
flying near; returning afterwards to the same twig to swallow it.
Its long, sharp, curved bill, the two long narrow feathers in its
tail, its beautiful green plumage varied with rich brown and
black and vivid blue on the throat, render it one of the most
graceful and interesting objects a naturalist can see for the
first time.
Of all the birds of Lombock, however, I sought most after the
beautiful ground thrushes (Pitta concinna), and always thought
myself lucky if I obtained one. They were found only in the dry
plains densely covered with thickets, and carpeted at this season
with dead leaves. They were so shy that it was very difficult to
get a shot at them, and it was only after a good deal of practice
that I discovered low to do it.
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