152 



THE GARKULOUS ROLLER 



ANOTHER closely allied species is the AUSTEALIAN ROLLEE (Euri/stomus Pacificus], 

 This bird is popularly known to the Australian colonists by the title of DOLLAE BIED, 

 on account of a circular white spot upon the inside of each wing, which is very conspicuous 

 when the bird is flying overhead. The flight of the Australian Roller is heavy and 

 laboured, and the bird does not appear to chase insects with the activity and perseverance 

 of the preceding species. Generally it is fond of sitting on some convenient bank 

 overhanging the water, and from that post of vantage pouncing upon a passing insect, 

 much after the fashion of the harriers. While thus engaged, it frequently utters a peculiar 

 chattering cry. Its most active seasons are sunrise and sunset ; at other parts of the day 

 it is but sluggish in its movements. 



It is, however, a very bold and fearless bird, and will attack man, beast, or bird that 

 approaches within a certain distance of the spot where its cradle lies. True nest there is 

 none, as the bird contents itself with a hole in a decaying tree-trunk, and depositing its 

 eggs upon the soft wood. The eggs are from three to four in number. 



ALTHOUGH tolerably common 

 on several parts of the Continent, 

 the GAEEULOUS ROLLEE is at the 

 present time a very rare visitant 

 to this coiintry. There seems, 

 however, to be reason to believe 

 that in former days, when England 

 was less cultivated and more 

 covered with pathless woods, the 

 Roller was frequently seen in the 

 ancient forests, and that it pro- 

 bably built its nest in the hollows 

 of trees, as it does in the German 

 forests at the present day. 



Africa is the legitimate home 

 of the Roller, which passes from 

 that land in the early spring, and 

 makes its way to Europe, vid 

 Malta and the Mediterranean 

 Islands, which afford it resting- 

 places during its long journey. 

 Accordingly, in those islands the 

 Rollers are found in great plenty, 

 and as they are considered a great 

 delicacy when fat and in good 



condition, they are killed in considerable numbers, and exposed for sale like pigeons, 

 whose flesh they are said greatly to resemble. Even in its flight it possesses something 

 of the pigeon character, having often been observed while flying at a considerable 

 elevation to "tumble" after uhe manner of the well-known tumbler pigeons. It is rather 

 curious that throughout Asia Minor the Rollers and magpies were always found in close 

 proximity to each other. 



Mr. Thompson records a very curious anecdote of this bird, a specimen of which was 

 seen flying across the grounds of the Duke of Leinster, in September, 1831, and was 

 pursued by a large number of rooks, who were mobbing it after their usual custom 

 whenever they meet with a strange bird. The Roller did not seem to be in the least 

 disconcerted ; but, instead of endeavouring to escape, darted repeatedly among its foes, as 

 if for the purpose of increasing their irritation. The bird was not killed for the sake o; 

 ascertaining its species ; but its peculiar mode of flight, its size, and its gorgeous plumage 

 were so characteristic, that the observer, Mr. Bell, was quite satisfied of its identity. 



The food of the Roller is almost wholly of an insect nature, but is diversified with a 

 few berries and other vegetable productions. It has even been known to become 



GARRULOUS ROLLER Car&riax Garrula. 



