THE WAX-WING. 203 



so little open to common observation, that we need do little 

 more than mention the bare names. 



THE ROLLER (Coracias garrulus). 



About the size of a jay, beautifully marked with black, 

 blue, green, and chesnut. Nestles in woods. Habits re- 

 semble those of the magpie and rook jointly. Common in 

 the eastern and southern part of the continent ; very rare in 

 Britain, and only seen in individual specimens. (See the 

 cut at page 7.)* 



THE WAX-WING (Bombycivora garrula.) 



A very beautiful bird, rather shorter than the starling, but 

 of very graceful form and delicate plumage. Beak short and 

 black, as are the eyes, a portion round them, the chin (ex- 

 cept a white line under the gape), and the principal parts of 

 the wing and tail feathers. Upper part and crest (which is 

 long, silky, and handsome) of an indescribable colour, which 

 is grey, brown, and purple, and yet neither of them ; under 

 part passing into a soft grey on the upper part, with reddish 

 orange below. Coverts of the primarie stipped with white ; 

 tail feathers and primaries with yellow. Secondaries tipped 

 with white, ending (in the mature male chiefly) in bright 

 vermilion spines. Comes in small flocks toward the close of 

 winter, but only occasionally ; and while here, feeds on wild 

 berries. Its nestling places and habits are little known, t 



* The roller is remote from the crows, and belongs to a family termed 

 by Bonaparte Coraciadce. It builds in the holes of decayed trees, and 

 lays five or seven eggs of a clear bluish white. Insects constitute its 

 principal food. It is fierce, restless, and clamorous. M. 



f The wax- wing belongs to the family Ampelidce. 



In England, France, and Italy, the wax-wing is of rare occurrence, 

 but Norway, Russia, and the adjacent parts of Asia, are visited regularly 

 every winter by immense flocks, taking a southern direction. It also 

 visits Germany and Bohemia. Temminck supposes its summer residence 



