Journey in Fars, S.IF. Persia. 559 



117. *IIalcyon smyrnensis (Linn.) ; Blauf. t. c. p. 121 ; 

 Sharpe, Ibis, 188(5, p. 488. 



This richly-coloured Kingfisher I also failed to obtain, 

 but I saw single birds several times in trees and reeds on the 

 banks of streams, and took careful notes of their colouring 

 by means of my binoculars. They were far too wild to 

 approach. Major St. John observed this Kingfisher in winter 

 at Dasht-i-arjan (G700 ft.), and I saw one at the same place 

 in April. 



118. Coracias garrula Linn.; Blauf. t. c. p. 125 ; Sharpe, 

 Ibis, 1886, pp. 488, 489, 1891, p. 110. 



234, 247, 404, 444. Ad. 



The Roller seems to be a summer visitor to Persia. I 

 noticed it at Bushire on March 21st, and after that date we 

 met with a few here and there throughout our journey. 

 Several pairs were breeding in the stone piers of a broken 

 bridge at Pul-i-mard (3800 ft.) on April 23rd, but the holes 

 in the masonry were too deep for me to reach the nests. I 

 did not notice C. indica, which is resident on the southern 

 coast according to Dr. Blanford. 



119. Athene noctua bactriana Huttou. 

 Athene glaux (Sav.) ; Blanf. t. c. p. 117. 

 92, 131, 181, 269, 270, 396. Ad. 



This, the palest form of the Little Owl, was fairly common, 

 both in the woods and in the barren rocky country, but it 

 was most abundant in the woods at a comparatively low 

 elevation (between 4000 ft. and 6000 ft.). Although I did 

 not see any young, I think that these birds had already 

 finished breeding at the beginning of April. The bird's cat- 

 like " meouw " and its plaintive piping cry were to be heard in 

 the day, but more frequently at nightfall. It often sits on the 

 top of a tree, and will then see an intruder at some distance 

 and fly away, but it will allow him when well hidden to 

 come within a few yards without moving. I have seen it 

 sitting on the telegraph-wires and on rocks in the full glare 

 of the sun. 



