Mr. E. L. Layard on the Ornithology of Ceylon. 173 



prey from the overhanging bough of a tree, or sohtary stake 

 protruding from the water, C. rudis hovering in the air with 

 head incHned marks its nctim. Plimging down with unerring 

 aim, it is lost for a moment in the spray caused by its heavy fall, 

 and reappears with the prey struggling in its bill. 



55. Merops Philippixus, Linn. Kattalan cooroovi, Mai.; lit. 

 Aloe Bird (from a fanciful resemblance in the tail of the bird 

 to the aloe plant). Pappugai de champ, Port. ; lit. Ground 

 Parrot. 



This bee-eater is very common throughout the island during 

 the period of its visitation : it is the harbinger of the snipe, and 

 appears about the middle of September. 



They frequent open fields, perching on fences, or on the tops 

 of low bushes, always choosing a dry projecting twig, from which 

 they dart at any insect that may pass by, returning with an ele- 

 gant saihng flight : before the prey is devoured, they beat it 

 against the perch till sufficiently broken to be swallowed entire. 

 In the evenings they frequently pursue insects after the manner 

 of swallows, uttering the while a pleasing chii*uping note and 

 soaring to a great height in the air. 



56. Mekops viridis, Linn. 



This species is confined to the open plains of the maritime 

 districts. 1 have seen it at Trincomalee and Hambantotte, and 

 traced it from Chilau to Mulletivoe. I am not aware that it is 

 found near Colombo, nor in the interior, where the preceding 

 and following species replace it. 



It delights in the neighbourhood of water, over which it himts 

 for insects. I have even seen it take them from ofi" the surface, 

 which it has struck with its breast in the endeavour. It is a 

 much bolder bird than either of the other two, often allowing 

 a European to approach within a few feet before seeking its safety 

 in flight. 



It is singular to observe the distinction in this respect between 

 the native, in his usual state of semi- nudity, and the white man j 

 the former can usually approach closely to any wild animal op 

 bird, but the sight of the latter puts them to speedy flight : I 

 attribute this more to the colour of the face than to the Euro- 

 pean dress ; for I always found that by allowing my beard and 

 whiskers to grow, I could approach them more closely than when 

 shaved. 



M. viridis roosts in large flocks, always returning to the same 

 tree for successive months ; they usually retire before 5 o'clock 

 in the evening, whereas M. Phtlippinus flies till dark. 



