280 



SYNDACTYL.li. 



SUB-FAMILY. 

 Meropin.e. The Bee-eaters j^roper. 



Fig. 115 —the throated bee-eater. 

 {MelittopJiagug gidaris.) 



This, the only sub -family, embraces numerous 

 species common in Africa and the East, but one 

 only is accustomed to show itself in Europe, named 

 by English writers — 



The Common Bee-eater {Merops Apiasfer). It is in 

 this country, however, one of the rarest of the feathered 

 race. It arrives in the southern j^arts of the Continent 

 in March, and departs to Avarmer regions in September. 

 It flies in flocks, usually at a considerable elevation, and 



