THE BIRDS OF SINGAPORE ISLAND 
the Burmese countries and Malaysia. Over and above all this 
the Australian bird seems to differ in no really important way 
from orientalis and calonyx and as E. australis comes as far 
west as Celebes, the range of our roller might reasonably be 
taken yet further afield. 
Status in Shi gap ore i — ^The eastern roller is a common bird 
frequenting by choice the patches of jungle and the woodlands 
rather than the town gardens and more open spots. It often 
visits the Botanic Gardens and we have noted it as compara* 
tivcly numerous on Bukit '^Timali and at Changi. 
Field Notes: — ^This is not a gregarious bird, although 
several may be found in a small area. It is usually seen sitting 
in a most conspicuous place on the top of a tree or a projecting 
bough, its lumpy form showing up against the skyline. The 
"tiong" also chooses exactly these spots for rest. In the even- 
ing several, or a pair, m^ty attract attention by their erratic 
gamboling in the air. 
Other habits — This is a bird of crepusctilar habits: it is 
mainly insectivorous and very fond of beetles. It is normally 
a forest dweller and lays its white eggs in holes in trees. 
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