684 MEROPS. BEE-EATER. 



daries emarginate. The tail long, of twelve feathers, of which 

 the two middle are generally much longer and pointed. 



The Bee-eaters, which are of a more elongated form than 

 the Kingfishers, and for the most part gaudily coloured, belong 

 to the warmer regions of the Old Continent and its islands. 

 They feed upon insects, have a rapid and buoyant flight, and 

 generally nestle in holes. One species visits this country at 

 irregular intervals. 



