the Birds of Central India. 61 



39. Merops persicus, Pall. 



The Egyptian Bee-eater at times is not uncommon, but is 

 not a permanent resident. First observed on the 7th of 

 October. 



40. CoRAciAS iNDiCA, Linn. 



The Indian Roller is common^ and is a permanent resident, 

 breeding in April and May in holes, either in trees, old 

 buildings, or banks. The eggs, four in number, are nearly 

 spherical, glossy china-white in colour. They vary consi- 

 derably both in size and shape, but average 1"25 by 1. 



41. Pelargopsis gurial (Pears.). 



^ . Length 15"75 inches, expanse 21*5, wing 6-1, tail 3*75, 

 tarsus '75, bill from gape 4"1, bill from front 3'4. 



The Indian Stork-billed Kingfisher is a rare straggler, 

 but has been procured both at the Depalpore Lake and at 

 Neemuch. 



42. Halcyon smyrnensis (Gm.). 



The White-breasted Kingfisher is very common, and, like 

 most of the other Kingfishers, is a permanent resident whiere 

 found. It breeds in holes in river-banks, sides of wells, and 

 such-like suitable places. The eggs, five in number, are 

 neai'ly spherical, pure white, and highly glossy. They are 

 scarcely to be distinguished from those of Coracias indica, 

 and measure I'l by 1. 



43. Alcedo bengalensis, Gm. 



The Indian Kingfisher is very common, and breeds during 

 March and April. The eggs, five or six in number, are pure 

 china-white, oval in shape. They are highly glossy, and 

 average '8 by "7. 



44. Ceryle rudis (Linn.). 



The Pied Kingfisher is exceedingly common, and breeds 

 during March and April. This bird is not in the habit of 

 frequenting wells, like Halcyon smyrnensis, but where there 

 is plenty of water there this bird is sure to occur. The eggs, 

 four or five in number, are oval, pure china-white, and very 

 glossy. They measure I'l by "9. 



