GARRULOUS ROLLER. -389 



marine blue ^ the larger coverts bright sea-green; 

 the lower part of the smaller wing-feathers ultra- 

 marine blue, forming a moderately large patch of 

 that colour on the middle of the wing; the remain- 

 ing part of the wing black: the back and scapular- 

 feathers testaceous or pale chesnut; the rump 

 ultramarine blue, and the tail dull green, the two 

 exterior feathers, which generally exceed the rest 

 about half an inch in length, tipped with black, 

 the black tip being blue beneath, as are also the 

 black ends of the wing-feathers : the legs are 

 rather short and of a dull reddish-brown colour. 

 In some individuals the back is of a brighter or 

 redder cast than in others, and the tail sometimes 

 appears nearly even at the end. This beautiful 

 bird is found in many parts of Europe, but has very 

 rarely made its appearance in England, and that 

 only from some accidental circumstance attending 

 its migration from other parts. In some parts of 

 Germany it is said to be not uncommon, as well 

 as in Italy, Spain, and France. It has even been 

 observed in so northern a region as Sweden, but, 

 in general it appears to be most frequent in the 

 warmer parts of the Old Continent, and par- 

 ticularly in Africa. It is said to build in woods, 

 and to feed in the manner of the Rook, on worms, 

 grain, and roots. Its note is loud and chattering, 

 from whence is supposed to be derived its name. 



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