THE ROLLERS. 



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The Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes, Fig. 199) is furnished 

 with a long, strong, and straight bill, with which it can penetrate 

 the bark of trees when in search of insects, and open the cones 

 of firs and pines, on the kernels of which it feeds ; failing these, it 

 eats the hazel-nut and wild fruit, from which circumstance it derives 

 its name. They inhabit the mountain forests of Europe and Asia, 

 building their nests in the trunks of trees, to which they are capable 

 of clinging, but not of climbing. 



The Rollers (Coradas garrula, Fig. 200) have in their general 



Fig. 199. — The Nutcracker. 



appearance and habits considerable resemblance to the Jays ; but they 

 differ, from the beak being more robust and the nostrils uncovered ; 

 they are also more timid, withdrawing into the thickest parts of the 

 woods, which are their favourite haunts. When taken young from 

 the nest it is tamable. Dr. Meyer, of Offenbach, and others, have 

 succeeded in rearing them ; but although they become so tame as to 

 know those who attend to their wants, they never grow familiar. 

 Their favourite food consists of insects and their larvae, worms, and 

 the smaller reptiles ; but failing these they feed on berries, seeds, and 

 certain roots. 



The bill of the Roller is black towards the point, becoming brown 

 at the base, with a few bristles ; the irides are formed of yellow and 



f f 2 



