[B4]

CD 5

American Nat 1873 Oct. p. 634. On Kingfisher beating fishes – supports me.

XX/27/10

cut up fish I think he means, not beat.

C6 Dn 22,25

 

[The Kingfisher.— In a recent number of the Naturalist is a note by Dr. Abbott contradicting Darwin's statements as to the manner in which the kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) takes its food. Permit me to add my testimony in favor of Darwin. Having observed the habits of birds for some years I can say that the kingfisher divides its food by means of its bill, before swallowing. The smaller fish being soft are easily crushed and divided while being swallowed. The larger fish are frequently partially swallowed and so carried to a convenient perch and there disgorged, and then a few strokes of the bill divide it ready for digestion. A dissection of a kingfisher will show the above to be the case.—E. E. Breed, Duluth, Minn.]