File:A monograph of the Alcedinidae (19826165672).jpg

branches of the myall and gum trees, sometimes on those growing out on the hot plains, at
others on those close by the river side. I succeeded in obtaining both old and young birds,
which, judging from the plumage of the latter, I should suppose had left their breeding-
place about a month before I arrived in the neighbourhood of the Namoi in December. I
also saw in this district the Common or Sacred Kingfisher, but in far less abundance than
between the ranges and the coast. This latter species may be hereafter found to be an
inhabitant of the country bordering the sea, while the Red-backed Kingfisher may be
exclusively a denizen of the interior. The unusual colour of the back at once distinguishes
it from all the other members of the genus inhabiting Australia, but in its general economy
and mode of living it presents no observable difference."
"Gilbert procured examples of this species during Dr. Leichart's overland expedition;
Captain Sturt found it at the depot in South Australia ; and I have received specimens
from the interior of Swan River: consequently it has a very wide range."
Further on Mr. Gould continues : —
Since the above account of this species was published in the folio edition, I have been
informed by the late Mr. Elsey that he saw the Red-backed Kingfisher on the Macarthur
River about one hundred miles from the coast, in lat. 26° 15' S. Two eggs in my collection
are very round in form and of the usual white colour, but they were doubtless pinky white
before they were blown. They are one inch long by seven- eighths broad."
For the following note I am indebted to my kind friend, Mr. E. P. Ramsay of
Dobroyde, N.S.W.:—
"At present I know nothing of the habits of this Kingfisher from personal experience,
but I have received it from various parts of New South Wales far inland, and from Port
Denison, where it was also procured at some distance from the coast. It appears to be
confined to the central part of the southern corner of Australia, but to venture nearer to
the coast in the northern part. Its eggs, three of which I have received from Southern
Australia, could not be distinguished from those of H. sancta, of which species it is the
Central Australian representative. The eggs in my collection are '95 inches in length by
•9 inches in breadth. They are nearly round, more so than those of IT. sancta. The sexes
are alike both in size and plumage."
The figure and description are taken from a very fine skin in my collection from