ROLLER. ]53 



WSESSORES. 



FISSIROsriiES. MEROPIDJE. 



PLATE XXXL 



ROLLER. 



Coracias Garrula. {Linn.) 



This beautiful bird, an accidental wanderer to this coun- 

 try, may be readily distinguished from all other British birds 

 by its splendid colouring, which bespeaks it to be of tropical 

 origin. 



The Roller is met with from the southern parts of Norway 

 to the frontiers of Senegal. Throughout Europe this bird 

 is of migratory habits. It is seldom seen in Britain, but 

 visits the south of Europe very frequently, on its passage to 

 Africa, where it passes the winter. 



In its habits the Roller is very shy, and, unless an op- 

 portunity is offered for an observer to keep out of sight, it 

 is very difficult to obtain a close view of it. In the morning, 

 it may sometimes be seen in the country where this species 

 abounds basking in the early rays of the sun, but its restless 

 habits do not allow it long to remain stationary in one spot. 

 Its favourite haunt is among trees, where it is continually 

 moving from branch to branch and from tree to tree, perch- 

 ing chiefly on the bare projecting ends of the dead branches : 

 it is not often seen on the ground, and its movements when 

 it does alight are awkward and embarrassed, and its mode of 

 progression is rather by hopping than by walking. The 

 flight of the Roller is quick and exceedingly buoyant, 



VOL. I. M 



