Ornithology of Cyprus. 29 



in holes in cliffs and in the walls of houses in 1901 and 1902. 

 Glaszner sent numerous specimens to Madarasz taken in 

 April, May, June, and September. Although Guillemard 

 records its earliest vernal appearance on April the 3rd, 1888, 

 I should say that that is an unusually early date. 



According to our observations the Roller does not as a 

 rule arrive until the middle of April ; the migration continues 

 for about a month, and, at any rate, by the end of May those 

 birds which have not settled down to nest have moved north ; 

 the return migration takes place in September and early 

 October. Our first date of arrival is April the 17th, and 

 our last of departure October the 17th. It is most frequently 

 noticed in mid-May and early October; and although Hors- 

 brugh met with it on the Troodos foot-hills it is not, I think, 

 found on the higher parts of the mountains. It is eaten by 

 many local people. 



666. Merops apiaster Linn. 



The Bee-eater in its habits resembles the Roller, but 

 instead of being merely common is extremely abundant ; it 

 arrives in large numbers during April and May ; the bulk 

 leave towards the end of May, but a certain number 

 remain to nest. The return migration takes place in Sep- 

 tember, big flocks collecting at the end of that month, and 

 soon disappearing. Our fiist date of its arrival is April the 

 1st, but it is not abundant until ten days later ; our last note 

 of it in autumn is October the 4th in the Famagusta district. 



The bird was recognised by Sibthorp; Miiiler mentions 

 handling 29 adult and 57 juvenile specimens ! Lord Lilford, 

 who found it exceedingly common, states that it nests, but 

 was assured — erroneously it may be added — that after nesting 

 it left the island altogether before the middle of July; 

 Guillemard found it breeding in company with the Roller 

 in the Papho district at the beginning of June 1887. Miss 

 Bate pointed out the incorrect nature of Lord Lilford's 

 information as to its departure in mid-July. Glaszner 

 sent Madarasz a number of specimens taken in June and 

 September. 



