Birds of Britain 

 THE ROLLER 



Coracias garrulus, Linnaeus 



Although stragglers of this beautiful and brilliant species 

 have frequently visited this country in both the spring and 

 autumn migrations, it can by no means be considered as 

 a regular visitor to our shores. It is very numerous in 

 Southern Europe and breeds as far north as St. Petersburg 

 and certain parts of Sweden ; in the countries bordering the 

 North Sea, however, it is decidedly rare. In winter it in- 

 habits the southern portion of Africa, being numerous in 

 Cape Colony and Natal. 



The sexes are alike. The head, neck, and under parts are 

 of a brilliant greenish blue, the mantle is brown, and there 

 is a patch of gorgeous ultramarine blue on the lesser wing 

 coverts. Length 12 in.; wing 7*7 in. 



THE BEE -EATER 



Merops apiaster, Linnaeus 



A good many stragglers of this southern species have 

 occurred from time to time, chiefly in the southern half of 

 England, but a few have also been taken in Scotland and 

 Ireland. In Southern Europe it is extremely abundant 

 throughout the summer, wintering in Africa. The sexes 

 are alike. The head, neck, upper back, and a bar across the 

 secondaries are chestnut brown ; forehead white, turning to 



184 



