ROLLERS. 



for supremacy; indeed, it is described as "resembling a moving rainbow" 

 when flying in the sunshine. In Malta and the Mediterranean islands it stays 

 throughout the summer, and breeds. In Central Europe it usually inhabits 

 dense forests, where it builds its nest in the holes of trees, generally preferring 

 the birch, whence it is known in Germany as the Birch Jay. Where trees are 

 scarce, as in Malta, it breeds upon the ground, or in holes of old buildings; 

 and in the treeless regions of Southern Russia it makes its nest in holes in the 



I IG III — liiL OMkKULOLb ]\\ OR COMMON Koi-LLK (Loracias gan u!a). 



clay banks of rivers. Its eggs, which are usually four in number, are exactly 

 similar in shape and in their pure white colour to those of our common king- 

 fisher and bee-eater, to which it is nearly related. It is a noisy and restless 

 bird. In the autumn the young become very fat and acquire a good flavour, 

 so that they are eagerly sought after for the table. 



Some species composing the genus Eiirystcmus are inhabitants of the 

 warmer parts of the Old World and of Australia. They are usually seen 

 perched on the top of some high tree or decayed branch, whence they can 

 dart more easily upon their insect prey; but they likewise feed upon fruits. 

 They are very noisy birds when on the wing, and even when perched their 

 garrulity is remarkable. Their flight very much resembles that of a swallow, 

 and is mostly performed during the evening. 



