alcedo ispida

2 definitions found

alcedo ispida - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Kingfisher \King"fish`er\ (k[i^]ng"f[i^]sh`[~e]r), n. (Zool.)
     Any one of numerous species of birds constituting the family
     Alcedinid[ae]. Most of them feed upon fishes which they
     capture by diving and seizing them with the beak; others feed
     only upon reptiles, insects, etc. About one hundred and fifty
     species are known. They are found in nearly all parts of the
     world, but are particularly abundant in the East Indies.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The belted king-fisher of the United States (Ceryle alcyon
           ) feeds upon fishes. It is slate-blue above,
           with a white belly and breast, and a broad white ring
           around the neck. A dark band crosses the breast. The
           common European species (Alcedo ispida), which is
           much smaller and brighter colored, is also a fisher.
           See Alcedo. The wood kingfishers (Halcyones), which
           inhabit forests, especially in Africa, feed largely
           upon insects, but also eat reptiles, snails, and small
           Crustacea, as well as fishes. The giant kingfisher of
           Australia feeds largely upon lizards and insects. See
           Laughing jackass, under Laughing.
           [1913 Webster]

  Alcedo \Al*ce"do\, n. [L., equiv. to Gr. ?. See Halcyon.]
     (Zool.)
     A genus of perching birds, including the European kingfisher
     (Alcedo ispida). See Halcyon.
     [1913 Webster]