THE OMENTAL EOLLER 



151 



It migrntes in considerable bodies, collecting for several days before starting, and seeming 

 to arrange the order in which the migration shall be accomplished. 



The general colouring of this bird is composed of rich blue-black and white, arranged 

 in bold masses, so as to present a fine contrast of two very opposite tints. The head and 

 upper portions of the body are of a very deep glossy blue, with the exception of the quill 

 feathers of the wings and tail, which are sooty black, and the upper tail-coverts, which are 

 snowy white. The chin, breast, and abdomen are of the same pure white as the upper 

 tail-coverts, except in the young birds, which are greyish- white beneath. The female bird 

 is rather grey on the under portions of the body. A number of tiny white feathers are 

 spread over the legs and toes, and the beak is black and the eyes brown. The total length 

 of the Martin is rather more than five inches. 



EOLLEES. 



The Eollers evidently form one of the connecting links between the swallows and 

 the bee-eaters, as may be seen by the shape of their feet, which have the two hinder 

 toes partially joined together, while those of the bee-eaters are wholly connected, or, as it 

 were, soldered together. The Eol- 

 lers, as is evident from their long 

 pointed wings, stiff tail, and com- 

 paratively feeble legs and feet, are 

 to a great extent feeders on the 

 wing, although they do not depend 

 wholly on their powers of flight 

 for subsistence, but take many 

 insects, worms, and grubs from 

 the ground. 



The birds of the genus Eury- 

 stomus, or wide-mouthed birds, may 

 be known by the peculiarity from 

 which they derive their generic 

 name. The beak is remarkably 

 wide at its base, and the gape of 

 the mouth is very large. The 

 point of the beak is flattened, and 

 rather abruptly curved. There 

 are some bristle-like feathers at 

 the angle of the mouth, and the 

 wings are extremely long, the 

 second primary feather being the 

 longest. The tail is moderate in 

 extent and not forked. 



The Oriental Eoller is found spread over a large expanse of country, being a native 

 of many parts of India, Java, and the Polynesian Islands. It is a very handsome bird, 

 the greater part of its plumage gleaming with the most brilliant green, which has been 

 compared, though not very happily, to the peculiar sea-green of the aquamarine. A 

 brilliant azure colours the throat and the points of the wings, and the primary feathers of 

 the wing are black, diversified with a white bar. The tail is deep black. In its habits it 

 is quick, active, and vigorous, chasing its insect prey through the air, and displaying great 

 command of wing and powers of endurance. 



ORIENTAL ROLLER.— £Mri/s(oTOW5 Oricatalis. 



