Birds of Irene. 73 



405. Merops apiaster. (European Bee-eater.) 



(a) 15.12.03. 



The Europoau Bee-eater arrived Lere this year on the 

 22nd Oct., and last year on the 15th Oct. They roost every 

 year in the same willow trees, congregating in a large flock 

 towards sunset. They leave their sleeping-quarters soon after 

 sunrise. I have never seen them near these quarters during 

 the day. Several times I have seen a large flock of these 

 birds mobbing a pair of Bideo desertorum (Steppe Buzzard) 

 in the evening. At times they may be observed skimming 

 over the water and actually dipping into it like Swallows in 

 the pursuit of insects. 



410. Melittophagus meridionals. (Little Bee-eater.) 

 The Little Bee-eater is fairly common and resident. 



412. Ceeyle rudis. (Pied Kingfisher.) 

 {a) S- 8.12.03. 



In stomach fish. 



The Pied Kingfisher is not common here. Usually seen in 

 pairs. It hovers when fishing very much after tlie manner 

 of a Kestrel. 



413. Ceryle biaxima. (Giant Kingfisher.) 

 (a) 10.11.03. 



This species is found here either singly or in pairs. Each 

 pair has its own " beat " on the river. 



414. Alcedo semitorquata. (Half-collared King- 

 fisher.) 



(a) S' 4.12.03. 

 In stomach fish-bone. 



This bird is fairly conmiou, and is always to be found along 

 the river. 



415. CoRYTHORNis CYANOSTIGMA. (Malachite Kingfisher.) 

 The Malachite Kingfisher is the connnoncst of the family 



here. Just now (Nov.) several young broods are ro be seen 

 along the river fully fledged. 



7* 



