Ceyx, son of Hesper and Philonis, was shipwrecked and his wife Alcyone, daughter of Aeolus and Aegiale, fell into the sea for love. Both of them, by divine mercy, were changed into birds called alcyons. These birds make their nests, eggs and chicks on the sea for seven days in winter. During these days the sea is calm, which is why sailors call them alcyonics.

                                                                     Hyginus, chap.LXV