ROLLER 



GARRULOUS ROLLER. 

 PLATE XXXIX FIGURE I. 

 Coracias garrufa, 



'HpHE Roller is a rare visitant to England, not breeding 

 1 in this country. 



The nest, composed of small fibres, straws, feathers, 

 and hair, is built in the hollows of trees, but also, where 

 trees are scarce, in ruined buildings, or in holes of banks. 

 In the former case, the birch is said to be preferred whence 

 the German name of the " Birch Jay." The same situation 

 is resorted to again and again, if the birds have not been 

 disturbed. 



The eggs, of a rotund form, are from four or five to 

 six or seven in number, and of a shining white, varying 

 considerably in size, like those of the Bee-eater and King- 

 fisher. The male and female sit on them by turns, and 

 they are hatched in about three weeks, during which time 

 the latter is so devoted to her task, that she will frequently 

 allow herself to be captured on the nest. The young are 

 fed with insects and caterpillars, and the parents exhibit 

 a strong attachment towards them. 



