Sabaragamuwa Province, Ceylon. 353 



The eggs are generally three in number and of a pure 

 glossy white colour^ with a shade of pink before they are 

 blown. 



54. Pelargopsis gurial (Legge, B. of C. p. 295). 



Generally speaking a low-country bird^ and in Sabaraga- 

 muwa Province I think about equally abundant in both 

 zones. I have found it at 2300 feet elevation^ but it rarely 

 migrates above 1000 feet. 



I obtained three eggs from a nest constructed in the dead 

 branch of a kumbuk tree [Terminalia glabra) that was 

 overhanging a river. 



55. Halcyon smyrnensis (Legge^ B. of C. p. 298). 

 Found up to 5000 feet, but is much more abundant at 



about 1000 feet, at which altitude it may be found in almost 

 every paddi-field. It breeds in the province. 



56. Ceyx tridactyla (Legge, B. of C. p. 303). 



I have met with this bird only about six times, and on 

 each occasion in the low country. I am not able to say 

 whether it is more exclusively a dry-zone form than the 

 opposite, as the few opportunities I have had of seeing it 

 are insufficient to base conclusions upon. 



57. Merops phillipensis (Legge, B. of C. p. 306). 



A very abundant migrant, arriving in Ceylon early in 

 September and departing again towards the end of April. 

 During its stay it is found in great numbers in the open 

 country, especially in the neighbourhood of rice-fields^ where 

 it is particularly common. It is not a forest species, and as 

 distinct from the next species it is not a dry-zone bird, 

 though it is often found close to the sea-coast. I have not 

 met with its eggs. 



58. Merops viridis (Legge, B. of C. p. 309). 



I have found this Bee-eater only in the very driest part 

 of the province, between Embelipittiya and Bedigantotta, 

 where it is very common on the low scrub open land. 



59. Merops swinhoii (Legge, B. of C. p. 312). 



In this province I have found the Chestnut-headed Bee- 



