Ropinson & Kuioss: Birds of West Sumatra. 239 
MEROPIDAE. 
88. Merops viridis Linn. 
R. & K., I, p. 180; R. & K., II, p. 89. 
36,22. Fort de Kock, Padang Highlands, 920 M. 
(April and May). 
é. Buo, Padang Highlands, 280 M. (February). 
6. Pangkalan Koto Baharu, Padang Highlands, 
(April). 
6, 2. Bencoolen town. (May). 
Iris dark crimson, sometimes brown, bill horn black, 
feet blackish, sometimes with a brownish or greenish cast. 
Winssas 1695 109; 110y MO; 180) 1125 oF 108 111; 
115 mm. 
This species is very common in the Padang Highlands, 
where it seems to be migratory, as it is not seen throughout 
the whole year. I have found M. viridis or M. s. javanicus 
breeding in Aur, and people have told me, that they have 
seen their nests in the Padang Lowlands, but I forgot to 
note which of the two species it was. 
The nests are made in the ground, being a long tunnel, 
hollowed out by the bird. The nesting place near Aur 
was on a flat, sandy islet in the middle of the Sinamar 
river and there was quite a large breeding colony. 
The birds frequent open country and hawk for insects, 
gliding through the air with out-streched wings or sitting 
on a prominent bough, to which they return after every 
catch. 
89. Merops superciliosus javanicus Horsf. 
Merops philippinus R. &. K., II, p. 89. 
6. Aur, Kumanis, Padang Highlands, 200 M. 
(March). 
6, 2. Fort de Kock, Padang Highlands, 920 M. 
(March). 
? imm. Mt. Talamau, Ophir Districts; 400 M. 
(April). 
Iris dark crimson, bill horn black, feet blackish. 
The immature bird has the iris greyish brown, and 
paler feet. 
Winessd lad, 1a2 5 9) 1275 11Ssnom,- 
This Bee-eater is very common and without any 
doubt, migratory, for it is only seen in the Padang High- 
lands and Lowlands during the winter months. 
For breeding habits see the previous species. 
The immature specimen No. 876 makes it probable 
that this species at least breeds in Sumatra. 
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