AND TYPES OF EGGS. 17 
Some frequent forests, and some open plains, but as a rule they are seldom 
found far from water, except the common bee eater (M. viridis), which is 
found everywhere in the plains. They make no nest, and lay very round 
pure white eggs in deep holes in banks or in level ground. Sometimes 
old rat holes are used, but often they excavate for themselves. They 
are permanent residents, and the breeding of all, except the blue-ruffed 
bee eater (N. athertoni), is well known. They are generally, though not 
always, gregarious and breed in colonies. 
Rollers, (Coracias, Eurystomus).—Lay round white eges in 
holes in decayed trees. They are not migratory as a rule, though they 
sometimes wander in the cold season far from their breeding haunts. 
The common roller (C. indica), the “jay” of Englishmenin India, often 
breeds about houses. It is a well-known and conspicuous bird. 
Kingfishers, (Pelargopsis, Haleyon, Ceyx, Todiramphus, Alcedo, 
Ceryle).—Are essentially non-migratory. Wherever they are found they 
breed. They lay round white eggs in deep holes in banks, making no 
nest. Many species are found in India, but most of them are very 
local; and partly owing to their rarity, partly owing to the unhealthiness 
of the localities, they affect during the breeding season. The nests of 
only a few species have as yet been discovered in this country. The 
kingfishers in India all belong to genera, which keep near water and 
breed in holes in banks. Some genera belonging to other countries 
inhabit forests, and lay their eges in holes in decayed trees. Here, though 
banks of rivers or canals are by far the most approved localities, instances 
have occurred of eggs being found in holes in the sides of wells, in 
banks of ponds, and even in mud wal!s in a village. 
Broadbills, (Psarisomus, Serilophus.)—The nidification of 
these birds is little known. They appear generally to build a globular 
or pear-shaped nest,* hanging from the tips of boughs, and lay white eggs. 
Only two species occur (2. dalhousie and C. rubropygia), both con- 
fined to the Eastern Himalayas, and both rather rare, though permanent 
residents. They affect oak forests and keep to the tops of trees. 
Hornbills, (Homraius, Rhyticeros, Hydrocissa, Meniceros, 
Tockus, Aceros).—These are the “toucans” of Englishmen in India. 
They inhabit forests or wooded country ; and where they occur are per- 
manent residents. They all nestle in holes in decayed trees generally 
at a considerable height from the ground. The entrance to the hole is 
* See frontispiece. 
