326 BRITISH BIRDS. 
Genus CORACIAS. 
The genus Coracias was recognized by Linneeus in the 12th edition of 
his ‘Systema Nature,’ i. p. 159, published in 1766. C. garrula (the Gal- 
gulus galgulus of Brisson) is the type. 
The species, belonging to this genus may be fase ae by their com- 
bining the characters of a long, flat, pomted wing with a comparatively 
narrow bill. The tarsus, which is very short, is scaled in front and reti- 
culated behind ; and the hind toe and claw are smaller than any of 
the fore toes. 
There are not more than a dozen species of Rollers, which are confined 
to the southern portion of the Palearctic Region, and the Ethiopian and 
Oriental Regions, extending beyond the latter into the island of Celebes. 
One species only is a common summer visitor to Europe, and occasionally 
strays as far as the British Islands. 
The Rollers chiefly frequent wooded districts in the vicinity of open 
plains, especially in the neighbourhood of rocks. ‘Their flight is extremely 
like that of a Jay, and their notes are almost as harsh as the note of that 
bird. Their food consists of insects, worms, small mammals, and reptiles. 
They breed in holes in rocks, old buildings, and decayed trees; and their 
eggs are pure white, very round, and glossy. 
