Coraciidge of the Ethiopian Region. 273 



distinct both as regards colour and size, as exemplified by a 

 series in my own collection. 



Messrs. Pollen and Van Dam (/. c.) have given a good account 

 of the habits of the Madagascar Roller : — 



" We have observed and killed this beautiful bird in Mada- 

 gascar, especially in the vicinity of the forests of Syrangene. It 

 was more particularly in this locality that we had an opportunity 

 of studying its habits and economy. In Madagascar it inhabits 

 by preference those parts of the country where the natives have 

 cut down and burnt parts of the forest for the purpose of sowing 

 their rice. In these open places these birds may almost daily 

 be seen perched on the branches of a dead tree ; and at intervals 

 is heard their loud and disagreeable cry, sara-roc-roc-roc. It is 

 for this reason that the bird is known to the Autancars by the name 

 of Sararoc, whilst the Sakalave give it the name of Fitili-rarats, 

 which signifies ' bird of thunder/ because these birds only make 

 their appearance in the western part of Madagascar at the com- 

 mencement of October, when the hurricanes which usher in the 

 winter or bad season begin. Their flight much resembles that 

 of a Wagtail. In flying they have the habit of often closing 

 their wings against their body, which gives them the appearance 

 of being about to fall. They are often seen gathered in parties 

 on a dead branch, squeezing one against the other ; and they 

 seem then as if they were stuck together. These birds nest and 

 lay their eggs in the month of October. We are certain of this, 

 because on one occasion we killed a female ready to lay an egg, 

 and in preparing the skin we found a perfectly developed egg, 

 about the size of that of a Bantam hen, of a pure white colour. 

 At this season the male may be seen caressing the female, in the 

 same way as a Pigeon. Their principal food consists of grass- 

 hoppers, crickets, coleoptera, as well as some kinds of fruits and 

 grain. It is wonderful to see with what dexterity this bird darts 

 from a branch on to the insects, which they always catch in full 

 flight. From the quantity they devour daily they must be placed 

 in the category of useful birds. In captivity they eat voraciously 

 cooked rice as well as bananas. Wc believe that it would be 

 possible to make a charming cage-bird of this Roller ; by bring- 

 ing it up from the nestling, and by cutting part of the liga- 



