106 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 



bright, dark, and light blue, brownish on the back, and vinous 

 beneath. It reminds one of a large Kingfisher at first sight, with a 

 large amount of vinaceous brown. 



Family MEROPIDM. 



(1026) Merops viridis (the Green Bee-eater) . Resident. 



Blandford, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), III., p. 110 ; Legge, Birds 

 of Ceylon, p. 309. 



Found usually in the drier parts of Ceylon. I have, however, seen 

 this species in Colombo. 



(1027) Merops philippinus (the Blue-tailed Bee-eater). Migrant. 



Blandford, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), III., p. Ill ; Legge, Birds 

 of Ceylon, p. 306. 



This handsome Bee-eater, which is larger than the foregoing 

 species, is a migrant, arriving in Colombo in October, leaving it 

 almost at once, and returning in February, when it can frequently 

 be seen. It spends most of its time on the wing, much like a Swallow ; 

 its graceful flight and the elongated centre tail feathers proclaim 

 its identity at once. Its note is not unlike that of the Golden 

 Plover. 



Key to the Bee-eaters. 



Plumage uniformly green, length about 9*5 in. ; 

 black band across throat edged yellowish - 

 green ; centre tail feathers elongated . . M. viridis. 



Plumage generally " brownish -green," length 

 about 12 in. ; black eye-stripe ; centre tail 

 feathers elongated 2| in. beyond others . . M. philippinus. 



Family ALOEDINID^. 



(1033) Ceryle varia (the Pied Kingfisher). Resident. 



Blandford, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), III., p. 119 ; Legge, Birds 

 of Ceylon, p. 288. 



This beautiful Kingfisher is frequently met with on the outskirts 

 of Colombo, fishing over the swamps. It has a habit of hovering 

 like a hawk, and dropping like a stone to seize its prey. The plumage, 

 as its name implies, is black and white. 



(1035) Alcedo ispida (the Little Indian Kingfisher). Resident. 



Blandford, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), III., p. 122 ; Legge, Birds 

 of Ceylon, p. 292. 



Common on the swamps on the outskirts. Differs only in a few 

 details from the Kingfisher which livens the streams in England. 

 The beauty of its plumage surpasses that of the following species, 

 and it can be identified at once by its small size. 



