TH E


Avicultural Magazine


BEING THE JOURNAL OF

THE AVICULTURAL SOCIETY

FOR THE STUDY OF

FOREIGN & BRITISH BIRDS

IN FREEDOM & CAPTIVITY



Third Series. — Vol. XI.—No. 9 .—All rights reserved. SEPTEMBER, 1920.



GAMBIAN ROLLERS


By Dr. E. TIopkinson, D.S.O.


{Concluded from p. 142.)


C. cyanogaster. Blue-bodied Roller.


Range. —Senegambia. {ILL.)


This, usually known here as the Brown-headed Roller, is much less

common during the dry season than the Senegal Roller, but from May

onwards its numbers increase, and during the rains (the breeding season)

up to about the end of the year I think the two species are about equally

common. Their habits, flight, and food are the same as those of their

congenors, and although not possessing the extremely brilliant blues of

the Senegal Roller, they are—with their pale brown heads contrasting

so pleasingly with the rich dark blues of the body—also very handsome

and attractive birds.


Description. —Head, neck, and breast, fawn-brown with silvery

reflections on the crown, over the eyes, and on the chin, so that in some

lights these parts look silvery, in others (especially when seen at a

distance and alive) fawn-coloured. The front of the throat and breast

are streaked with silvery white. Back and mantle, olive brown ;

scapulars, darker ; rump and upper tail-coverts, bright Prussian blue,

the latter tinged with cobalt; the tail, which does not extend beyond

the tips of the closed wings, bright cobalt washed with Prussian blue,


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