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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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]